Indonesia Prepares for El Nino Threat, Mobilizes Task Forces to Prevent Wildfires and Drought

Indonesia is mobilizing resources to combat the anticipated threat of El Nino, which is expected to coincide with the dry season. The government is preparing ground and air task forces, optimizing weather modification operations (OMC), and developing water resilience strategies to prevent drought and forest and land fires (karhutla).

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) announced these measures following a limited meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta. The meeting included members of the Red and White Cabinet, the Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Chief of National Police, and heads of relevant institutions.

AHY highlighted the government's anticipation of increased wildfire risks in prone regions such as Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan. "We want to ensure that the government is also prepared with task forces, both ground and air, and by implementing weather modification operations," AHY stated.

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We want to ensure that the government is also prepared with task forces, both ground and air, and by implementing weather modification operations.

Weather modification operations aim not only to help extinguish wildfires but also to maintain water availability in reservoirs, dams, and lakes. The government plans to enhance OMC effectiveness using new technology, including drones, to improve efficiency. "The OMC methodology is advancing. Not only employing conventional methods but also utilizing technological advancements such as drones to make it more effective and efficient," he said.

Beyond wildfire preparedness, Indonesia is developing long-term strategies for national water resilience. Challenges include unequal water availability, with some regions experiencing surplus while others face drought. Schemes like seawater desalination for island regions and brackish water purification are being considered, tailored to each area's characteristics. The government will continue to rely on risk mapping from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) for mitigating extreme weather.

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The OMC methodology is advancing. Not only employing conventional methods but also utilizing technological advancements such as drones to make it more effective and efficient.