Extreme Heat in Jakarta; Pramono States Artificial Rain Not Yet Necessary

JAKARTA — Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has confirmed that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has no plans to implement weather modification or artificial rain, despite extreme temperatures currently affecting the capital in recent days.

The decision was made based on weather forecasts from the Indonesia Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026.

“Jakarta does not yet require artificial rain to be created,” Pramono said when met in the Monas area, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (17 March 2026).

Meanwhile, BMKG projects that extreme heat conditions in Jakarta will continue until around 20–22 March 2026, approaching Eid al-Fitr.

Guswanto, Deputy for Meteorology at BMKG, stated that the high temperatures experienced by residents in recent days remain likely to occur in the near future.

“There remains potential for heat to be felt until 20–22 March 2026,” Guswanto said when confirmed by Kompas.com on Tuesday (17 March 2026).

According to Guswanto, maximum temperatures in Jakarta have reached 35.6 degrees Celsius. This condition is influenced by relatively clear skies with minimal cloud cover.

This situation allows solar radiation to penetrate the atmosphere optimally and reach the Earth’s surface directly. These conditions are expected to persist during the seasonal transition period.

“BMKG has recorded maximum temperatures of up to 35.6 degrees Celsius and UV index classified as purple, meaning extreme danger,” he said.

Residents are advised to avoid direct sun exposure, particularly between 10:00 and 14:00 WIB.

Additionally, the public are urged to use protective measures when conducting outdoor activities, such as hats, umbrellas, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing.

“Use sunscreen with high SPF to protect your skin. Increase water intake to prevent dehydration,” Guswanto explained.