Jakarta Braces for El Niño with Weekly Weather Modification Operations

To combat the heat and the effects of El Niño, Governor Pramono Anung is taking proactive steps to protect Jakarta. He has officially approved Weather Modification Operations (OMC) to be carried out twice weekly to bring much-needed rain to the capital.

I have granted approval to conduct weather modification

"I have granted approval to conduct weather modification or artificial rain once or twice a week, provided that cloud conditions are suitable," he expressed, at Jakarta City Hall, Thursday (8/6).

Based on data from the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), National Disaster Mitigation Authority (BNPB), and Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the peak of El Niño is projected to occur between late September and mid-October. This El Niño cycle is expected to be one of the longest in recent history, surpassing the duration of the 2023 event.

OMC is Carried Out with Careful Study, Legislator Affirms

Despite the low potential for cloud formation during this period, Pram has instructed his team to remain fully prepared for Weather Modification Operations (OMC) or artificial rain.

Besides mitigating the impacts of El Niño, Pramono has instructed his team to heighten vigilance against fire hazards and potential clean water shortages. Mayors across Jakarta will lead the Jaga Jakarta (Protect Jakarta) campaign to raise public awareness and ensure community readiness.

He also urged neighborhood heads (RW) to proactively prepare portable fire extinguishers (APAR) to prevent fire outbreaks in residential areas during the peak of the dry season.

"We are concentrating our efforts on two critical areas: securing clean water and preventing fires," he emphasized.