Weather Modification Operation at Jatiwaringin Landfill Difficult to Conduct in Near Future

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Region II has stated that weather modification technology (TMC) operations in the Jatiwaringin landfill area will be difficult to carry out in the near future because the potential for cloud growth is predicted to be low. Head of BMKG Region II, Hartanto, in a written statement received in Tangerang on Wednesday, said that the potential for cloud growth in the early July 2026 period is still low. He explained that based on the results of monitoring atmospheric weather dynamics, the potential for rain remains low in the coming days. However, these conditions will continue to be monitored routinely every day so that weather modification can be carried out if the potential for cloud growth increases and allows for operations. “The alternative is by other means through conventional watering and water bombing from helicopters,” he said. Previously, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) deployed two water-bombing helicopters to extinguish the fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill in Mauk, Tangerang Regency, which has been burning since Tuesday (30/6). One of the helicopters deployed has a water-carrying capacity of up to 4,000 litres to drop water directly onto the fire spots. “BNPB is currently assisted by two water-bombing helicopters, one of which is already at Pondok Cabe Airport, and the other is on its way from Jambi,” he said. The two helicopters will operate by releasing water bombs directly onto the waste piles, focusing on the peaks of the rubbish that are still emitting fire and smoke, where fire spots are suspected to be located. “There is a small lake next to the landfill. We will take water from there, so it can be done quickly. Hopefully, it can soon move to the location for action,” he said. BNPB, together with BMKG, will also prepare a special aircraft for TMC operations to help accelerate the extinguishing process so that the emergency situation can be brought under control. “We need clouds to sow salt. Central and regional steps will not let this continue. We must respond quickly,” he said. The area affected by the fire at the Jatiwaringin landfill has now reached approximately 15 hectares, expanding from the initial five hectares recorded on Tuesday (30/6). Tangerang Regent Moch Maesyal Rasid added that 52 residents have been affected by the smoke from the fire. To address this, the local government has carried out emergency evacuations to ensure their safety. “Our colleagues from the community health centre, sub-district head, and village head are still fighting and monitoring the situation,” he said. The regency has also raised the status of the Jatiwaringin landfill fire response from alert to emergency response to optimise field handling efforts. “We have determined that this has entered the emergency category. Because it concerns public health issues and also the risk of the fire continuing to spread, we have made this decision,” he said. The status upgrade was based on the results of an evaluation meeting on the landfill fire disaster management, together with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Environmental and Hygiene Agency (DLHK), and other relevant agencies. He continued that since 30 June 2026, through a regent’s decree on disaster management, the status has been raised to emergency response. “This is a consideration because the impact is definitely the smoke. This smoke is carried by the wind and is very close to residential areas,” he said.