Indonesia Collaborates With Hackathon Winners to Predict, Mitigate Impacts of Adverse Weather

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (October 03, 2023) – The Internet-of-Things (IoT) and AI are playing a part in every aspect of life today, and these technologies are now being adapted to help governments predict adverse weather conditions and the harmful effects they may bring, thereby preserving life, property and businesses to the maximum extent possible.

Case in point, Indonesia’s capital Jakarta is home to approximately 11 million people. The city suffers from frequent flooding which has progressively gotten worse over the decades. It is surrounded by 13 key rivers and borders the Javan Sea. As much as 40% of it’s land lies below sea level while the extraction of groundwater has led to the further sinking of the ground. This geography, lashed by the monsoons and high tides caused by climate change together heighten the very real danger to life and property in the city.

AI to the rescue

By using the vast quantities of data that has, and continues to be gathered, the provincial government of Jakarta aims to transform the smart city in to one with better decisions, safer communities and stable economies.

Jakartha’s annual SAS Hackathon was tapped by the local government to find viable solutions to deal with flooding in the city, where Team JaWaRa (Jakarta water resources analytics) to emerged as the overall winners. The team comprised of government data scientists, engineers and tech pros from local SAS partner StarCore Analytics. Using SAS® AI, machine learning and streaming analytics, the team analysed real-time data on rainfall, water levels and river flow to better predict and mitigate flooding. Its Early Warning System is part of a larger, citywide Flood Control System.

According to Amir Toha, co-founder of StarCore Analytics, efforts such as these are now being taken in cities and regions across the world, in an effort to save lives and property, and ensure that the lives of people continue to function without harm. “AI and IoT analytics are playing a major role in dealing with the effects of climate change,” he added.

More than 100 teams participated in this year’s SAS Hackathon, where JaWaRa was selected the overall winners for their innovative approach to using AI, machine learning and IoT analytics.

“Team JaWaRA and its Early Warning System are a wonderful example of creative people using AI and advanced analytics to address big challenges,” said Einar Halvorsen, global hackathon programme lead at SAS. “That’s what the SAS Hackathon is all about. Teams transform data into better decisions that improve lives in their organisations, communities and the world at large.”

Second consecutive Hackathon crown

The combination of local Jakarta government agencies and StarCore Analytics has been fruitful. At the 2022 SAS Hackathon, a team of data scientists from the Special Capital Region of Jakarta and StarCore won the overall event.

That team used SAS Viya and its AI and machine learning capabilities to optimise the distribution of COVID-19 relief to more than 64 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These MSMEs employ 97% of Indonesia’s workforce and are the engine driving the local and national economy.

With technology, the team ensured that trillions of Indonesian rupiahs were spent wisely, supporting both businesses serving vulnerable areas and those with the highest potential to rebound after the pandemic.

Jakarta, a smart city

The efforts of the Jakarta Provincial Government in the SAS Hackathon are part of a broad smart city effort. Jakarta’s leaders leverage technologies such as AI and IoT analytics to provide efficient and effective services to citizens; increase Jakarta’s resiliency to social, economic and environmental pressures; enhance citizen engagement; and address community needs.