On weather modification

On weather modification

From Republika

In Republika's column on science and technology (Feb. 27), Baginda Patar Sitorus writes that the success the Agency for Technological Assessment and Application (BPPT) has had in modifying the weather has led to a lower rainfall level and that therefore he feels optimistic this technology will help reduce the severity of flood problems in Jakarta.

It must be noted, however, that a lower level of rainfall may be attributable to weather modification by BPPT or may simply be the result of changes in the weather that would have occurred anyway.

Mr. Sitorus's optimism may be construed as an effort to promote weather modification technology and justify its application in this country. It must be borne in mind that even in the United States, this technology has been applied only at the research level.

Of course, we need weather modification technology to help reduce the likelihood of flooding. This surely requires a very comprehensive knowledge of the weather and its changes on the micro and macro scales.

MURWADJI

Tangerang, Banten