Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) said it successfully induced rainfall in parts of South Sumatra on Monday (Oct. 26) through a weather modification operation, as forest and land fires persist in the province.
In a press release received in Jakarta on Tuesday, the air force said the rainmaking effort was carried out with several agencies as part of broader measures to mitigate the impact of the fires.
“This operation forms part of concerted measures to bolster wildfire containment, especially in affected peatland areas,” Air Force Information Office head Air Commodore Feri Yunaldi said.
He said the operation was supported by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and regional government institutions.
The joint effort included deploying personnel and equipment, conducting meteorological analysis, preparing cloud-seeding materials and coordinating among the participating agencies, he said.
The air force deployed one C-130 Hercules and two CASA C-212 aircraft, backed by two more from BNPB, to disperse sodium chloride and dry ice for cloud seeding, Yunaldi said.
The operation effectively stimulated cloud formation, bringing rain to several areas, including the provincial capital Palembang and the districts of Banyuasin, Musi Banyuasin, Ogan Komering Ilir, Ogan Komering Ulu, Musi Rawas and Muara Enim.
“We will continue monitoring weather dynamics and atmospheric conditions to guide planning for subsequent operations,” Yunaldi said.
The air force remains committed to preparing transport aircraft to support similar operations in affected regions, Yunaldi said, as authorities seek to contain the fires.
“TNI AU will continue supporting forest and land fire mitigation efforts in South Sumatra. The rainfall is expected to help maintain peatland moisture levels and strengthen fire suppression efforts,” he said.
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Translator: Walda Marison, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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