BNPB Utilises Three Weather Modification Methods to Mitigate Volcanic Ash Impact

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is conducting weather modification operations (OMC) to address the impact of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. The Acting Head of the BNPB Data and Information Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, explained that three specific methods are being utilised in this current operation.

Cloud seeding, a method of weather modification, was carried out at Ahmad Yani Airbase, Semarang, on Monday (7/9/2026). This method targets clouds with the potential to produce rain in the border regions of West Java and Central Java by spraying water mixed with calcium chloride (CaCl2).

“Yesterday, BNPB conducted weather modification via the cloud seeding method, involving the spraying of water mixed with calcium chloride onto clouds with rain potential in the West Java and Central Java border areas. This was supported by an aircraft to disperse 650 litres of water along with 350 kg of CaCl2,” Berton stated during a press conference broadcast on the BNPB YouTube channel on Tuesday (8/9/2026).

Furthermore, weather modification via the water mist method was implemented through Pondok Cabe Airport on Tuesday (8/9). This technique involves spraying water mixed with surfactants, specifically targeting pollutant layers.

“Today, we have begun weather modification at Pondok Cabe using the same materials previously mentioned, consisting of 2,000 litres of water combined with surfactants,” he said.

BNPB is also conducting weather modification through the seeding of sodium chloride (NaCl), or salt. This operation is also being carried out via Pondok Cabe Airport today.

“BNPB is performing weather modification using sodium chloride or salt seeding today from Pondok $ ext{Cabe}$. This is being done in a single sortie, with the hope of inducing rainfall in several locations within the seeding area, using 1,000 kg of salt,” he added.