Jambi Forest Fire Task Force Readies Cessna for Weather Modification Support

The forest and land fire task force (Satgas karhutla) of Jambi Province has readied a Cessna aircraft (PK-ALA) to support Weather Modification Operations (OMC) when conditions permit, as well as to assist with aerial patrols. “Currently, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has stationed a Cessna aircraft in Jambi that can be used for aerial patrols or salt seeding if cloud formations are present,” said Bachyuni Deliansyah, Head of the Jambi Province Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), in Jambi City on Tuesday. Bachyuni explained that the threat of forest and land fires in Jambi Province is steadily increasing as the dry season strengthens. As of 28 July 2026, the agency recorded that the total burned area across Jambi had reached approximately 222 hectares. The fires are spread across several areas, including Muaro Jambi, Batang Hari, West Tanjung Jabung (Tanjabbar), and East Tanjung Jabung (Tanjabtim) regencies. He added that, based on weather forecasts, the dry season is predicted to last from July to October 2026. To anticipate forest and land fires, the task force has established 81 field posts, serving as the front line in fire-prone areas. These posts are set up for early detection, community outreach, and initial fire suppression. As a preventive measure, Bachyuni urged the public not to clear land by burning and not to discard cigarette butts carelessly. “We ask the community to work together to protect the environment. Do not clear land by burning and do not throw cigarette butts carelessly, because conditions are currently very dry and prone to fires,” he cautioned.