Dry Season Begins, BNPB Conducts Weather Modification Operations in Jambi Through June 12

Jambi, MINA – Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is conducting Weather Modification Operations (OMC) in Jambi Province through June 12, 2026, as a preventive measure against forest and land fires (karhutla) amid declining rainfall and the onset of the dry season in several regions.

BNPB Head of Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said the operation began on June 5, 2026, and is expected to help reduce the risk of forest and land fires in fire-prone areas.

“OMC has been carried out from June 5 to June 12, 2026. This effort is expected to optimize prevention measures and minimize the occurrence of forest and land fires,” Abdul said in an official statement received on Sunday.

According to him, the weather modification operation was initiated after the Jambi Provincial Government declared an emergency preparedness status for forest and land fires, effective from April 27 to November 30, 2026. The status was established as a preparedness measure to face the dry season, which could increase the risk of wildfires.

The operation involves BNPB, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and the Indonesian Air Force. All activities are being coordinated from Sultan Thaha Airport in Jambi, which serves as the operational airbase.

On the first day of the operation, Friday, BNPB conducted one flight sortie, dispersing one ton of salt into clouds with the potential to develop into rain clouds. Cloud seeding was carried out over West Tanjung Jabung Regency, East Tanjung Jabung Regency, and Muaro Jambi Regency.

Following the operation, rainfall was reported in several target areas, particularly in West Tanjung Jabung and Muaro Jambi. BNPB stated that the rainfall could help maintain land moisture and reduce the likelihood of fire hotspots.

The operation continued on Saturday with another flight sortie focused on West Tanjung Jabung Regency. Monitoring results showed that rainfall occurred again after the cloud-seeding activities.

BNPB noted that weather modification operations are part of the national strategy for preventing forest and land fires, emphasizing preventive measures before fires occur. The effort is considered particularly important for keeping peatlands moist and less susceptible to burning during the dry season.

Previously, BNPB Chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto emphasized that forest and land fire management must combine both prevention and suppression efforts. He said weather modification operations are among the effective measures to reduce wildfire risks in vulnerable areas.

BNPB also urged local governments, communities, and businesses in the forestry and plantation sectors to remain vigilant and strengthen early prevention measures to minimize the potential for forest and land fires throughout the dry season.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)