Government Prepares Cloud Seeding to Accelerate Forest Fire Suppression at Mount Bromo

The government, through the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), is preparing a Weather Modification Operation (OMC) scenario as an additional measure to induce rain and accelerate the extinguishing of forest and land fires (karhutla) at Mount Bromo, East Java. BNPB Head Suharyanto stated in Jakarta on Thursday that this cloud seeding option is being prepared alongside the deployment of aerial firefighting assistance. “In addition to water bombing, BNPB is preparing OMC support, the implementation of which will be adjusted according to weather developments and needs on the ground,” he said. This large-scale emergency response is based on the Drought and Forest and Land Fire Disaster Alert Status declared by the East Java Provincial Government under Governor’s Decree Number 100.3.3.1/327/013/2026. The provincial-level emergency alert status is valid for 180 days from 26 May to 6 October 2026. To strengthen the legal framework for affected areas, the Probolinggo Regency Government has also issued Regent’s Decree Number 300.2/326/426.32/2026 regarding the forest and land fire emergency alert, valid until 5 October 2026. The use of OMC and water bombing helicopters is expected to reach isolated fire spots, preventing them from spreading to other conservation forest areas. To support this process, BNPB urges all parties to remain vigilant during the peak of the dry season and to comply with the temporary closure of tourist areas within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) to facilitate the joint team’s operations.