Tangerang legislator proposes weather modification to tackle volcanic ash spread

The Deputy Speaker II of the Tangerang City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Arief Wibowo, has proposed weather modification to address the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK), so that air conditions return to normal.

Arief said rainfall is one of the most effective ways of controlling the spread of volcanic ash in Banten, including Tangerang City. He therefore suggested the city government, through its Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), could coordinate with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to carry this out.

“This is part of our efforts to address the spread of volcanic ash, because the health impacts are very disruptive, including to wider community activities,” Arief said in Tangerang on Tuesday.

“Another step we can take is the Istisqa prayer, a form of effort and supplication for rain. People of other faiths can also pray according to their beliefs for rain to come soon,” he said.

The Head of the Tangerang City BPBD, Mahdiar, said the implementation of weather modification is being discussed by the BNPB and the Banten provincial government, which are also assessing the feasibility of carrying it out.

“The BNPB is in the process of working on weather modification to suppress the spread of volcanic ash. But this is not easy, because we have to look at the cloud potential,” Mahdiar said.

He also urged residents carrying out outdoor activities to wear masks and to continue following official information and government instructions. He asked the public not to panic and to continue their activities while paying attention to their health.

“We have also conveyed an appeal to the public to stay alert and not panic. What matters is that we look after our health,” he said.