Ministry begins weather modification to curb South Sumatra fires

The Ministry of Forestry has launched a weather modification operation in South Sumatra to combat ongoing forest and land fires, according to Antara News. The initiative, which began on July 19, 2026, spans until July 30, aims to induce rainfall in regions experiencing wildfires and fire-prone areas. This effort is part of broader measures to mitigate the spread of blazes and assist firefighting operations. The operation is led by the Forest Fire Control Center for the Sumatra Region under the Ministry of Forestry. Head of the center, Ferdian Krisnanto, stated that the goal is to generate rain in areas affected by current fires and in locations prone to ignition. He emphasized that the operation is funded by the ministry and is intended to reduce hotspots and accelerate field response. Krisnanto noted that the rainfall could aid in extinguishing flames, replenishing water resources for firefighters, and reducing the aridity of the land. Support for the operation comes from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). BMKG is responsible for analyzing weather patterns, forecasting conditions, and identifying opportunities for cloud seeding. The Air Force’s Sri Mulyono Herlambang Air Force Base assists with air traffic management, flight logistics, and ensuring operational safety. On the first day of the operation, the team executed a cloud seeding mission over the Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) district, dispersing 800 kilograms of sodium chloride (NaCl) to stimulate precipitation. Krisnanto expressed optimism that the operation will yield positive results, particularly in areas designated as priorities for firefighting. He hoped the intervention would contribute meaningfully to controlling the fires in the region. The Ministry of Forestry has been actively engaged in combating the fires, which have intensified due to prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures. In recent months, authorities have warned of heightened risks, urging local governments and communities to prepare for the upcoming dry season. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has also issued alerts regarding elevated fire risks in parts of Sumatra and Java. In addition to the weather modification efforts, other initiatives are underway to address the crisis. These include increased surveillance of fire-prone areas, deployment of additional firefighting personnel, and community education campaigns aimed at preventing accidental ignitions. Local governments have also been instructed to enhance their readiness for emergencies, including stockpiling water reserves and improving communication channels among emergency responders. The Ministry of Forestry continues to monitor the situation closely, working alongside environmental agencies and regional authorities to coordinate responses. While the effectiveness of weather modification techniques remains a subject of scientific debate, officials believe that the combination of induced rainfall and traditional firefighting methods offers a viable strategy for curbing the fires. As the operation progresses, further updates are expected regarding its success in generating rainfall and its impact on reducing the number of active fires. The Ministry plans to evaluate the outcomes of the campaign before considering future interventions. Meanwhile, residents in affected areas remain vigilant, aware that the threat of wildfires persists and that sustained efforts are necessary to prevent further damage.