Indonesia Prepares Weather Modification Operation to Clear Anak Krakatau Ash

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency is preparing a weather modification operation to reduce volcanic ash from the Anak Krakatau eruption across parts of Jakarta, Banten and Lampung.

BNPB chief Suharyanto said the operation would begin once conditions become safer. The aircraft needed for the mission is already prepared at Pondok Cabe, but weather conditions and aviation safety remain considerations because ash continues to affect airport activity.

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Once conditions become more conducive, we will carry out the weather modification operation. The aircraft is ready at Pondok Cabe.

The planned operation would use cloud seeding to encourage rain and bring volcanic material down from the atmosphere. BNPB is also preparing water-mist techniques to increase the chances of rain in affected areas.

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We have held intensive video conferences to monitor developments affecting residents impacted by the eruption.

Several airports remain closed or face operational disruptions as a precaution against volcanic material. BNPB has held regular video conferences with regional disaster agencies to monitor residents’ conditions and identify needs on the ground. It has also sent personnel to affected locations to assess the situation directly and check local preparedness for further volcanic impacts.

Suharyanto urged provincial, district and city governments to check their disaster-response systems, including sirens, evacuation sites, contingency plans and stocks of food and other basic necessities. He said the central government would provide assistance if needed. No affected local government has yet declared a disaster emergency, while BNPB continues coordinating with ministries and agencies as Anak Krakatau’s activity develops.

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If it is still needed, we will push for assistance from the central government.