Dry Ice Used in Weather Modification: How Effective Is It?

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is studying the effectiveness of using dry ice in weather-modification operations. Although the technology has already been used in the field, its results still need to be examined to determine how effectively it supports weather-modification activities.

BRIN head Arif Satria said the study is being conducted alongside the development of several technologies that could be used in weather-modification operations (OMC). BRIN is also preparing to test other innovations, including technology based on two-micron materials.

“Dry ice has already been used in the field, in collaboration with others. We also want to assess how effective it is,” Arif said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (27 October 2026).

Other technologies are also being prepared for testing. Arif said trials are needed to establish the effectiveness of the various innovations before their use is expanded in weather-modification operations.

Preparations for the tests are being made in coordination with the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU). Arif said coordination had taken place and that the personnel and equipment required for field activities were ready.

“We coordinated with the Indonesian Air Force yesterday afternoon, and all the personnel are ready. God willing, we will test several innovations,” he said.

The tests will involve several agencies: BRIN, the Indonesian Air Force, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and the Ministry of Transportation.

The agencies’ involvement reflects the cross-institutional coordination required to carry out weather-modification operations. The test results are expected to help evaluate the technologies’ effectiveness and determine whether they could be used in operational activities.

Dry ice is one of the technologies under review, while the innovation based on two-micron materials and other technologies are still awaiting testing. No findings have yet been announced on the effectiveness of any of these technologies.

Arif stressed that field testing is an important part of developing weather-modification technologies. Through the tests, BRIN aims to assess the technologies’ results before considering their wider use.