Jakarta Scorching; Pramono: No Need for Artificial Rain Yet

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated on Tuesday (17 March) at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta that the capital does not yet require artificial rain modification operations to accelerate cloud formation.

“Jakarta still does not require artificial rain to be made,” Pramono said.

Pramono noted that he had received information from the Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) regarding the hot weather affecting Indonesia as the rainy season draws to a close. He stated that rainfall would soon return to Jakarta.

“For Eid al-Fitr, BMKG data does show that the weather beforehand will be hot. However, during Eid al-Fitr there is a possibility of moderate rainfall,” Pramono explained.

The BMKG previously predicted that the 2026 dry season could arrive earlier in several regions of Indonesia. Several areas have already begun showing signs of seasonal transition with clearer weather conditions and higher temperatures.

Ida Pramuwardani, head of the BMKG’s Weather Prediction and Early Warning Team, stated that several regions of Indonesia are expected to gradually enter the dry season from April onwards.

The BMKG recorded maximum air temperatures in the Jakarta region at fairly high levels. “In recent days, the maximum air temperature measured in the Jakarta region reached 35.4 degrees Celsius, specifically in the East Jakarta area,” Ida said.

The BMKG estimates that hot temperature conditions are likely to persist in the coming days, particularly during daytime when cloud cover diminishes. However, she emphasised that most of Indonesia is currently in the final phase of the rainy season or transitional period towards the dry season.

“In general, most of Indonesia is currently in the final period of the rainy season or transitional phase towards the dry season, so the potential for cloud formation remains quite high which at certain times can reduce heating or radiation reaching the surface,” she said.

The public has been advised to increase vigilance against the potential for moderate to heavy rainfall that may be accompanied by lightning and strong winds.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo confirmed that Jakarta’s weather conditions remain normal and should not cause concern despite feeling very hot.