Rainfall variability in Indonesia new capital associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation and its contribution to flood events

Abstract

Accurate and current rainfall analysis is crucial for planning and development in the new capital city of Indonesia (IKN). This study examines the effect of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) on rainfall variability in IKN using a 20-year dataset of Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) version 6 and automatic weather station (AWS) data. The study analyzes flood events in IKN by examining flood information provided by the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasures (BNPB) from 2008 to 2022 and the contribution of the MJO to these events. The findings indicate that the MJO significantly influences rainfall variability in IKN, with a more pronounced effect during the dry season (JJASO) than in the wet season (NDJFMAM). This is demonstrated by the higher occurrence of wet days and increased daily rainfall intensity, which is linked to extreme rainfall and longer-duration events, mainly between midnight and morning (0400–0600 LST). Notably, although floods are more common during the rainy season, the MJO can intensify flood events in IKN during the dry season. Therefore, when developing an effective flood disaster mitigation system for IKN, it is crucial to consider the amplitude and phase of the MJO.