Jakarta Launches 3 Weather Modification Sorties to Curb Rain
Reported by Aldi Geri Lumban Tobing | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
The Jakarta Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) resumed its Weather Modification Operation (OMC) on Tuesday (2/3) as a proactive measure against potential extreme hydrometeorological disasters in the Greater Jakarta area.
Cloud seeding is done based on intensive atmospheric analysis
Today’s operation involved three flight sorties using a TNI-AU CASA 212-200 aircraft based at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base. The mission is a collaborative effort between Jakarta BPBD, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the Indonesian Air Force, and relatefnnministries.
During the first sortie in the morning, cloud seeding was conducted over Bogor Regency, targeting Stratocumulus, Stratus, and Cumulus humilis formations at altitudes of 7,000–8,000 feet. The flight deployed 800 kilograms of Calcium Oxide (CaO) as the seeding agent.
Jakarta Launches OMC as a Shield against Heavy Rain"Subsequently, the second sortie was conducted at midday, focusing cloud seeding efforts over the Sunda Strait at altitudes of 9,100–9,400 feet. This mission deployed 800 kilograms of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) to divert potential rainfall toward safer maritime areas.
Meanwhile, the third sortie took place in the late afternoon over Lebak, Banten, targeting Stratocumulus and Cumulus humilis formations with cloud tops below 7,000 feet. This flight utilized another 800 kilograms of CaO.
Jakarta BPBD Head, Isnawa Adji, stated that the OMC is a continuous preemptive measure to mitigate the risks of extreme weather, specifically high-intensity rainfall that could trigger flooding across Jakarta.
"Cloud seeding is done based on intensive atmospheric analysis and weather monitoring, allowing potential rain to be redirected to safer zones to avoid overtaxing Jakarta’s infrastructure," he explained.
Isnawa emphasized that his agency conducts daily evaluations and strengthens cross-agency coordination to ensure that all weather modification operations remain safe, effective, and aligned with the latest weather patterns.
In light of these conditions, BPBD urges the public to remain vigilant against potential moderate-to-heavy rainfall, which may be accompanied by lightning, thunder, and strong winds.
"We also urge residents to take an active role in keeping their surroundings and drainage systems clean to minimize the risk of inundation and flooding," he added.
For disaster updates and emergency assistance, the public can reach the Jakarta Siaga 112 hotline, visit the official website at bpbd.jakarta.go.id, or follow @bpbddkijakarta on social media.
Real-time flood monitoring is also available via the JAKI app or the flood-tracking portal at https://pantaubanjir.jakarta.go.id.
