Forestry Ministry readies support for Jambi’s weather modification

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2 hours ago

Jambi (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni pledged government support for weather modification operations in Jambi to boost rainfall and help prevent and contain wildfires, which have burned more than 916 hectares.

“Aircraft have been readied in Jambi for weather modification. Our ministry will fully support the operation to stimulate rainfall,” Antoni said during a visit on Tuesday.

Antoni said Jambi still needs weather modification after ranking sixth nationally in hotspot counts Tuesday, behind Riau, South Sumatra and several provinces in Kalimantan.

“Jambi has deep, combustible peat layers that can trigger forest and land fires. This is why weather modification remains necessary,” he said.

The ministry will support weather modification operations planned for Aug. 27-30 to help reduce hotspots in Jambi, Antoni said.

The Forestry Ministry is also ready to deploy helicopters if needed and has prepared masks to protect personnel, he said.

Antoni said the policy followed President Prabowo Subianto’s directive for state institutions to maintain oversight of wildfire responses nationwide.

Antoni highlighted Prabowo’s call for firm action against anyone found responsible for offenses that caused wildfires.

“Our law enforcement unit will not play favorites in enforcing the law during the Jambi wildfires. As instructed by the president, we will act against individuals and companies,” Antoni said.

Brig. Gen. Nyamin, commander of a local military district, briefed Antoni on the wildfire situation, saying fires had burned more than 916 hectares across Jambi.

He said hotspots remained in several areas of Sarolangun, East Tanjung Jabung and Muaro Jambi districts.

Senior Commissioner Taufik Nurmandia of the Jambi police said authorities had named eight people as suspects in seven wildfire cases.

He said police would announce additional suspects as investigations continue.