Indonesian Air Force deploys three aircraft to Kalimantan to support weather modification operations

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has deployed three Casa NC-212 aircraft from Skadron Udara 4 to Kalimantan, bolstering efforts to combat widespread forest and land fires (Karhutla). The aircraft departed from Lanud Abdulrachman Saleh in Malang, heading to West and East Kalimantan.

According to Kadispenau Marsma TNI I Nyoman Suadnyana, this deployment is part of TNI AU's support for weather modification operations (OMC). The additional aircraft will strengthen the aerial resources already present in Kalimantan, which include 20 aircraft deployed by the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). This existing fleet comprises five helicopters, three weather modification aircraft, and 12 large helicopters for water bombing.

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The aircraft will strengthen the aerial assets already in the Kalimantan region.

The deployment of the Casa NC-212 aircraft is expected to enhance the effectiveness of OMC operations, aiming to reduce the dense haze that has been plaguing parts of Kalimantan. Previously, 42 aircraft were deployed across six provinces prone to forest fires, with 20 based in Kalimantan and 22 in Sumatra.

Forest and land fires continue to pose a significant threat to Kalimantan, with thick haze impacting visibility and air quality in several locations. East Kalimantan, in particular, has recorded 413 fire hotspots, with a total of 936.95 hectares of land and forest burned. Kutai Barat Regency reported the highest affected area, with 269.34 hectares burning across 70 incidents.

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With the addition of these three Cassa aircraft, TNI AU's support is expected to become more optimal, especially in the implementation of OMC to help reduce the impact of haze in the Kalimantan region.