Jakarta Haze from Forest Fires: Rano Says Winds No Longer Blowing Towards Java, Conditions Improving
Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno said winds were no longer blowing towards Java amid concerns about the potential impact of smoke from forest and land fires in Kalimantan. The Jakarta administration is nonetheless preparing several precautionary measures, including water-mist spraying and weather modification.
“There is smoke, but it has not yet entered the lower atmosphere. Last night, I also heard from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) that the winds were no longer blowing towards Java. This indicates that conditions will improve,” Rano said in the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout area of Central Jakarta on Sunday (18 October 2026).
Rano said the information he had received indicated that haze from the fires had not entered the lower atmospheric layer over Jakarta. However, the Jakarta administration was continuing to prepare for possible effects on air quality and public health.
One measure being prepared is the resumption of water-mist spraying to help reduce air pollution. The administration will also continue weather modification efforts.
“We will carry out water-mist spraying again. It is one measure, not the only one, but at least it can help reduce pollution haze and the like. We will also continue weather modification,” he said.
Rano added that Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung had instructed hospitals and community health centres to prepare for possible health problems caused by the smoke, including acute respiratory infections (ARI).
“The Governor has instructed us to take precautions at the very least; all hospitals and community health centres must be ready in case there are cases of ARI or anything of that kind,” he said.
Rano also expressed hope that rain, which has begun falling in some affected areas, would help accelerate efforts to tackle the fires. He said Palangka Raya was among the areas that had received rain.
“We were glad and happy that Palangka Raya had rain yesterday, and several other places have had rain too. Hopefully, after our prayers today, the forest and land fires can soon be brought under control,” he said.