North Penajam Paser (ANTARA) – The Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) has established a hydrometeorological disaster mitigation team to bolster resilience against dry season risks in East Kalimantan.
“A team has been formed as part of anticipatory measures to strengthen the handling of the dry season,” OIKN Deputy for the Environment and Natural Resources Myrna Asnawati Safitri remarked in North Penajam Paser District, East Kalimantan, on Saturday.
She explained that the authority has implemented preventive steps by collaborating with businesses, local administrations, religious leaders, medical personnel, and residents.
Public participation is essential for risk mitigation, Safitri noted, adding that OIKN acts on resident reports submitted through a dedicated channel.
Safitri highlighted OIKN’s cooperation with local health facilities to protect residents from wildfire haze, including urging students to wear masks outdoors.
OIKN has provided equipment to sub-district and village governments while requesting BNPB assistance for weather modification and water-bombing operations if fire threats escalate.
To mitigate potential drought, the authority is boosting water supplies by installing pipe networks connected to the Sepaku-Semoi Reservoir.
The reservoir stores rainwater generated through weather modification conducted alongside the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and BMKG.
“We also continue putting effort into groundwater supply, with drilling planned for the fourth week of September following an ongoing geoelectrical survey,” Safitri said.
Related news: Indonesia’s Air Force deploys Caracal to fight Nusantara’s wildfire
Related news: Nusantara plants more than 2,000 trees, sets national record
Translator: Nyaman Bagus, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2026