Government Optimises Cloud Seeding to Tackle Forest Fires in Riau, West and Central Kalimantan
The Ministry of Forestry is optimising cloud growth opportunities to strengthen Weather Modification Operations (OMC) in tackling forest and land fires (karhutla), particularly in Riau, West Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan.
Head of the Ministry’s Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation Bureau, Ristianto Pribadi, stated that coordination with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) is crucial for determining the most optimal regions and timing for the operations. “For the implementation of OMC, we continue to coordinate with BMKG to observe cloud growth potential and determine the most optimal time. West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan are of concern due to the increase in hotspots and smoke distribution,” he said.
Based on a BMKG report as of 12 August 2026, moderate to high cloud growth opportunities are present in West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan from 13 to 16 August. BMKG data indicates that hotspots in West Kalimantan increased from 98 to 136 points compared to the previous day. Meanwhile, Central Kalimantan saw an increase from 29 to 78 points, and South Kalimantan from 10 to 31 points. This situation is a concern as smoke distribution has also been detected in several areas of Kalimantan.
BMKG also noted indications of transboundary haze from West Kalimantan towards Sarawak. The OMC implementation in Central Kalimantan is taking place from 11 to 15 August, while the West Kalimantan OMC is scheduled for 13 to 17 August by optimising cloud growth potential. Meanwhile, OMC in Riau is ongoing from 30 July to 22 August.
“We will continue to monitor and coordinate so that every favourable weather opportunity can be utilised optimally for handling forest and land fires,” said Ristianto. The Ministry of Forestry reminded the public and corporations not to clear land by burning. Ristianto stated that any violations will be prosecuted through legal processes, emphasising that strict law enforcement is necessary to provide a deterrent effect against land burners.