BNPB Deploys Weather Modification Operation to Reduce Heavy Rain in Jabodetabek

The National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) has conducted a weather modification operation (OMC) to reduce the potential for heavy rainfall across Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek). Abdul Muhari, Head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, stated on Monday evening (9 March 2026) that the measure was undertaken as a mitigation effort to reduce the risk of hydrometeorological disasters in the region.

BNPB’s Operations Control Centre reported that Jakarta experienced flooding impacts, with extreme weather affecting several areas. Heavy rain that fell from Saturday (7 March 2026) through Sunday (8 March 2026) caused flooding in a number of residential areas.

In response to the incident, BNPB deployed weather modification operations and distributed logistics assistance to affected communities. The aid included food parcels and non-food items such as blankets and mattresses to support the basic needs of flood-affected residents.

According to Abdul, 23 villages across three subdistricts were affected by flooding caused by high rainfall, with 122 people reported evacuating temporarily to safer locations.

Based on rapid response team monitoring on Sunday (8 March 2026), floodwaters in several streets and residential areas were reported to be gradually receding, though there remained potential for secondary flooding given ongoing weather conditions that could be triggered by the activity of two tropical cyclone systems.

According to analysis from the Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the presence of two tropical cyclone systems 93S and 95W monitored through Monday morning near Indonesian waters had the potential to increase rainfall across several areas including Jabodetabek.

Tropical cyclone system 93S, located in the Indian Ocean south of Lampung, has maximum wind speeds around 30 knots and minimum air pressure of 999 hPa. BMKG confirmed that the system has low potential to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours and is expected to weaken with wind intensities decreasing to approximately 25 knots over a 48 to 72-hour period. This cyclone system also induced the formation of strong low-level jet wind flows and convergence areas in the Indian Ocean south of Lampung.