Weather modification operations in Riau have seeded 14 tonnes of salt
“These Weather Modification Operations are expected to help efforts to prevent and control forest and land fires in the Riau region effectively,”
Pekanbaru, (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force together with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) have conducted Weather Modification Operations (OMC) in Riau Province by seeding 14 flights or 14 tonnes of salt.
The Head of the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base Operations Division, Colonel Pnb Andri Setyawan, said that this activity was a continuation of previous operations. According to him, the OMC considers meteorological analysis which shows the potential for cloud growth in the target area.
“These Weather Modification Operations are expected to help efforts to prevent and control forest and land fires in the Riau region effectively,” said Colonel Andri in Pekanbaru, Thursday.
He said that his party intensified the implementation of OMC in Riau Province with the last activity in Dumai City and Rupat Island, Bengkalis Regency. This effort is a strategic step in preventing and controlling forest and land fires (Karhutla) through the air.
The OMC uses a Cessna C208B/PK-AKR aircraft, flown by Captain Bintang. The seeding is carried out in the seeding area (blocking area) with a radial of 350 degrees to 30 degrees and an estimated distance of 60 to 90 nautical miles (NM).
The determination of the target area is the result of analysis and recommendations from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). Related elements actively monitor weather conditions and cloud growth to ensure that seeding can be carried out effectively and on target.
The seeding was carried out at an altitude of 8,000 to 10,000 feet using 1,000 kilograms of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) seeding material. This marks the 9th day of the OMC implementation since the Karhutla Alert status was set in Riau Province on February 13, 2026.
“This achievement shows strong synergy between the Indonesian Air Force, BNPB, BMKG, including the Riau Regional Disaster Management and Firefighting Agency (BPBD and Damkar),” he said.