Weather modification operations continue across West and Central Kalimantan

Indonesia is continuing weather modification operations across West and Central Kalimantan to help manage forest and land fires, particularly in peat ecosystems.

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This operation is a coordinated step by the government to increase land moistening, especially in peat ecosystems, to support ground extinguishing, and to suppress the risk of fire spread and smoke dispersion.

In West Kalimantan, authorities conducted 10 flights between August 28 and September 4, using 8,000 kilograms of sodium chloride as the seeding material. In Central Kalimantan, nine flights took place between August 26 and September 5, using 7,200 kilograms of sodium chloride.

Dasrul Chaniago, director of land fire control at the Ministry of Environment and Environmental Control Agency, said the operation was designed to increase land moisture, support ground firefighting and reduce the risk of fire spreading and smoke dispersing. Rain fell on September 4 in Putussibau, Kubu Raya Regency and Pontianak City in West Kalimantan, and in Kotawaringin Barat Regency in Central Kalimantan.

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Its implementation must be carried out in conjunction with patrols, hotspot inspections, ground extinguishing, peat moistening, water management, community involvement, business entity supervision, and law enforcement.

“The rainfall is expected to increase land humidity, support the cooling process of fire locations, and dampen the potential for the fire to reignite,” Dasrul said. He stressed that artificial rain cannot work alone. Authorities must combine it with patrols, hotspot checks, ground extinguishing, peat moistening, water management, community participation, business oversight and law enforcement.

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The rainfall is expected to increase land humidity, support the cooling process of fire locations, and dampen the potential for the fire to reignite.

Officials determine each operation by assessing atmospheric conditions, possible cloud growth, wind direction and speed, hotspot distribution and the need to moisten fire-prone areas. Operations in West Kalimantan will continue with support from the National Disaster Management Agency from September 3 to 14. The Ministry of Forestry is supporting continued operations in Central Kalimantan. Dasrul said vigilance must remain high to protect public health, air quality and the speed and continuity of fire response.

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Our main goal is to prevent the spread of fires, protect public health, maintain air quality, and ensure that forest and land fire handling takes place quickly, comprehensively, and sustainably.