Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni said early warning system from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) regarding El Nino phenomenon has helped the Ministry stepping up forest and land fire prevention and control efforts.
“We have taken various measures, ranging from mitigation and prevention steps, to strengthening preparedness, as well as technical responses and fire suppression on the ground,” Antoni said during a working meeting with Commission IV of the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Tuesday.
According to BMKG monitoring, El Nino is currently very strong, with the Nino 3.4 index reaching +2.19. The condition has the potential to reduce rainfall across Indonesia.
Furthermore, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is forecast to enter a positive phase between September and November 2026, which could further reduce rainfall in several regions.
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In addition, the BMKG is providing cloud seeding potential data, supporting analysis for weather modification operations.
“We thank the BMKG for providing climate updates and warnings early on. For us, this information is vital for strengthening preparedness and taking early preventive measures,” Antoni remarked.
In line with the forecasts, the Ministry of Forestry has taken action since February.
Steps include cross-ministerial and agency coordination meetings, limited cabinet meetings led by President Prabowo Subianto, preparedness briefings in fire-prone provinces, capacity building for Manggala Agni firefighters, and the activation of emergency response posts in five provinces.
Antoni affirmed his ministry would continue to coordinate with the BMKG to strengthen the synergy in wildfire prevention, including through weather modification.
“Forest and land fires are a serious issue that cannot be addressed only by a single party. That is why we continue to bolster coordination with the BMKG and other ministries and agencies, ensuring early warnings are swiftly translated into concrete action,” he said.
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur, Raka Adji
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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