Indonesia Implements Weather Modification to Prevent Forest and Land Fires
Pekanbaru — The Indonesian government has taken decisive and measured steps to prevent the potential for forest and land fires (karhutla), which have drastically increased in Riau Province. Through synergy between institutions, including the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and the Riau Provincial Government, the Weather Modification Operation (OMC) has been officially launched as a scientific solution to mitigate the fire threat.
The Head of BMKG, Dwikorita Karnawati, explained that the Riau region is currently entering the peak of the dry season, characterized by very low rainfall. Based on the latest data, the potential for forest and land fires is predicted to increase until early August.
“Based on the latest climate forecast, the Riau region, especially in the third decade of July, is predicted to experience low rainfall, below 20 mm. This condition has the potential to trigger an increase in forest and land fires,” explained Dwikorita.
In response to this situation, Riau Governor Abdul Wahid officially declared a forest and land fire emergency status. As part of mitigation efforts, OMC is implemented to induce artificial rain in areas with high potential for cloud growth.
“The BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency) regularly updates weather forecasts and supports the OMC strategy so that cloud seeding is carried out in the most effective areas. Support from meteorological and climatological data and analysis is key to the success of this operation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tri Handoko Seto, Deputy for Weather Modification at the BMKG, explained that the OMC operation has been underway since July 21, 2025, using a total of 15,600 kilograms of seeding material through 17 cloud seeding sorties. The main focus is increasing peatland humidity.
“The OMC strategy is to capture rainwater to moisturize peatland, which is highly fire-prone. We are targeting a peatland water level above -40 cm. Currently, the average level is still below 1 meter, which is very critical,” said Tri Handoko.
The central government, through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), is providing full support for this operation. The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, emphasized logistical readiness in the field, including the deployment of air fleets and ground personnel.
“We have currently deployed one helicopter, and two additional units are prepared if conditions worsen. We are ready to deploy all resources to control forest and land fires and protect the public,” he said.
This collaborative effort demonstrates the government’s commitment to proactively, scientifically, and responsively addressing disasters. With a continuously strengthened weather modification strategy, the government is optimistic that forest and land fires can be significantly controlled to ensure public safety and environmental sustainability.
