Pontianak, W Kalimantan (ANTARA) – The West Kalimantan Provincial Government, in collaboration with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), has ramped up weather modification operations, or cloud seeding, to combat forest and land fires by deploying three aircraft.
“As of today, we have deployed three aircraft in cooperation with BNPB. Since September 4, we have been operating three aircraft,” Acting Head of the West Kalimantan Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Ridwan, said in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Thursday.
Ridwan noted that the weather modification had been underway since August 28 and was scheduled to run through September 10, depending on atmospheric conditions and the potential for rain cloud development across the province.
“Initially, we only used two aircraft. However, following instructions from the head of BNPB, an additional plane was added,” he said.
The additional aircraft was deployed to boost cloud-seeding operations amid a scarcity of cloud seeds in several parts of West Kalimantan.
He explained that the operations are being carried out based on information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), specifically regarding the presence of cloud seeds, rainfall potential, and wind direction.
If cloud seeds are present but wind direction is unfavorable, he noted, seeding is called off because it would be ineffective in producing rain over the targeted areas.
However, optimizing weather modification efforts remains hindered by a limited supply of seedable clouds. This condition is not unique to West Kalimantan, but continues to pose a challenge for weather modification across the entire island of Kalimantan.
According to BMKG data, the potential for cloud seeds was relatively high from September 4 to 7, with opportunities for seeding remaining open through September 10.
“Rain has also fallen in several areas, particularly Kapuas Hulu, Sintang, and the upstream regions of West Kalimantan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ketapang and Kubu Raya remain prioritized in management efforts as hotspots and fires in both districts remain strong while rainfall is still scarce, he said.
In addition, the government is tailoring its fire suppression methods to suit local ground conditions and fire locations. Ground teams are considered more effective at tackling blazes in residential areas, while water-bombing helicopters are deployed in regions inaccessible to personnel on foot.
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Translator: Rendra Oxtora, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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