Indonesia Deploys Weather Modification to Fight Forest Fires and Water Shortages in East Kalimantan

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has initiated a weather modification operation (OMC) to tackle critical water shortages and rampant forest and land fires (karhutla) in East Kalimantan. The operation is a collaborative effort involving the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and the East Kalimantan Provincial Government.

Budi Harsoyo, Director of Weather Modification Operations at BMKG, explained that the process does not create rain but optimizes existing cloud potential. "Weather modification is not about making rain, but about optimizing the potential of available clouds. If cloud conditions are supportive, cloud seeding is carried out to accelerate the rain process and expand its area," he stated.

This intervention comes as East Kalimantan faces severe challenges. Data from August 20 indicates prolonged dry spells, with some areas experiencing up to 28 consecutive dry days. The Sepaku Reservoir, a key water source for the new capital region (IKN), has seen declining water levels since July due to the El Nino phenomenon. Compounding the issue, BMKG data recorded 13,273 hotspots in East Kalimantan between August 1-23, 2026.

The OMC is strategically deployed. An operation in IKN from August 22-27 aims to address the reservoir's water deficit, with initial reports indicating success through recent rainfall. Another operation in Berau Regency began on August 24-28, targeting hotspots at the request of the local regent. While the handling of forest fires remains at the "Disaster Alert" level, provincial authorities urge districts to remain vigilant and request assistance if the situation escalates to an emergency.

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Weather modification is not about making rain, but about optimizing the potential of available clouds. If cloud conditions are supportive, cloud seeding is carried out to accelerate the rain process and expand its area.