BNPB: Weather Modification and Aerial Operations Integrated to Combat Forest Fires

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNMB) has stated that a combination of weather modification operations (OMC), ground operations, aerial operations, and law enforcement serves as the primary strategy for addressing forest and land fires (karhutla) during the peak of the El Niño dry season.

BNPB Head Suharyanto, in a written statement in Jakarta on Saturday, emphasised that the management of forest and land fires in six priority peatland provinces—South Sumatra, Jambi, Riau, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan—is being conducted massively and in an integrated manner.

“For 2026, the BMKG prediction of a strong El Niño has indeed been proven true. The area of burnt land in the priority peatland provinces is increasing,” he said.

According to Suharyanto, when measuring effectiveness, weather modification operations (OMC) rank first among the three suppression models because rain is capable of extinguishing large areas. Ground operations rank second, particularly for peatlands where underground fires are difficult to extinguish. Water bombing ranks third due to limited water carrying capacity, at approximately 4 tonnes per sortie.

He also emphasised that peatlands require specialised handling. Surface fires, he noted, may appear extinguished, but embers deep within the peat continue to smoulder. Consequently, the BNPB is also utilising peat injection tools to deliver water to depths of 1–2 metres.

“Peatlands are not sufficiently treated by just one or two waterings. They require wetting to a depth where the soil turns into a slurry. We have peat injection tools,” said Suharyanto.

He noted that among the three provinces in Kalimantan affected by forest fires, South Kalimantan is relatively less impacted. The BNPB Head also reaffirmed directives from the President and Vice President to maximise weather modification operations, regardless of how small the potential for rain clouds may be.

These directives include areas in Kalimantan and Sumatra where no fires are currently occurring. He cited Banjarmasin as an example; although there are no fires there, the BMKG has identified potential for rain, so OMC is being conducted to protect the city from smoke exposure originating from neighbouring regencies.

Nationally, based on BNPB data as of 8 September 2026, the total indicated burnt land area across the six priority provinces has reached 76,922.3 hectares. As of 6 September 2026, out of a total of 72,009.10 hectares of burnt peatland, 939.45 hectares are still undergoing intensive suppression efforts.