Extreme Heat: Pramono Has No Plans for Artificial Rainmaking in Jakarta

Jakarta’s provincial government has not planned weather engineering or artificial rainfall despite extreme heat conditions affecting the region over recent days.

“Jakarta still does not require artificial rainfall,” said Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo when met in the Monas area, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (17 March), as quoted by Antara news agency.

Pramono revealed the decision was made after considering weather forecasts from the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026.

According to him, although the current weather feels hot, BMKG forecasts potential moderate-intensity rainfall during Eid al-Fitr.

“For Eid al-Fitr, BMKG data indeed shows the weather will be hot beforehand. However, during Eid al-Fitr, there is a possibility of moderate rainfall,” he explained.

BMKG itself estimates extreme heat conditions in Jakarta will continue until around Eid al-Fitr, approximately 20-22 March 2026.

BMKG’s Deputy for Meteorology, Guswanto, said the high temperatures experienced by residents in recent days still have the potential to occur in the near term.

He revealed that maximum temperatures in Jakarta have reached 35.6 degrees Celsius. This condition is influenced by a relatively clear sky with minimal cloud cover.

This situation allows solar radiation to penetrate the atmosphere optimally and reach the earth’s surface directly, and this is estimated to continue during the monsoon transition period.

“BMKG has recorded maximum temperatures reaching 35.6 degrees Celsius and the UV index falls into the purple category, meaning extreme danger,” Guswanto said.

Seeing this, BMKG has called on residents to reduce outdoor activities when sun exposure is at its highest level.

Residents are advised to avoid direct sun exposure, particularly between 10.00 and 14.00 WIB (Western Indonesian Time).

Additionally, the public is asked to use personal protection when engaging in outdoor activities, such as hats, umbrellas, dark glasses and long-sleeved clothing.

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