BMKG Clarifies Misuse of "Godzilla" Term for El Niño

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed it has never used the term “Godzilla” to describe the El Niño phenomenon.

“To provide an overview of El Niño’s intensity, BMKG always uses internationally standardized terms that are easy to understand. The term ‘Godzilla’ is not standard, and BMKG never uses it,” said Head of BMKG’s Monthly Prediction Working Team, Supari, in a written statement received on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

He explained that El Niño is a global atmospheric phenomenon caused by warming sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. Therefore, any information claiming that El Niño occurs in Indonesia is inaccurate.

“El Niño is not a phenomenon that spreads or moves toward Indonesia. It is a deviation in the behavior of the Pacific Ocean. It occurs in the Pacific Ocean; therefore, it is not correct to say that it occurs in Indonesia,” Supari said.

Although the epicenter of El Niño is far away, Indonesia still feels its impact. El Niño makes the dry season drier and longer.

According to an update released on June 12, 2026, BMKG predicts that El Niño this year could reach moderate intensity with 100 percent probability. There is also an 86 percent probability that it will reach strong intensity, leading to drier weather conditions across Indonesia.

In Indonesia, El Niño is expected to reduce rainfall, particularly between June and November. The current phenomenon is predicted to last until early 2027. (Misni Parjiati)