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