Weather Modification Operations to Extinguish Forest and Land Fires in Riau Continue to be Intensified

The Indonesian Air Force and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) continue to intensify the implementation of Weather Modification Operations (OMC) in Riau Province. This effort is a strategic step in preventing and controlling forest and land fires (Karhutla) through aerial operations.

The mission on Wednesday (February 25) used a Cessna C208B/PK-AKR aircraft, piloted by Captain Bintang. Seeding was carried out in the seeding area (blocking area) with a radial of 350 to 30 degrees and an estimated distance of 60 to 90 nautical miles (NM).

The target areas include the areas around Dumai City and Rupat Island. The determination of these target areas is the result of analysis and recommendations from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). Relevant elements are actively monitoring weather conditions and cloud growth to ensure that seeding can be carried out effectively and on target.

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 established in Riau Province on February 13, 2026.

In total, 14 flights have been carried out with a total of 14,000 kilograms of seeding material spread. This achievement demonstrates strong synergy between the Indonesian Air Force, BNPB, BMKG, as well as the Regional Disaster Management Agency and Fire Department (BPBD and Damkar) of Riau.

The Head of the Operations Division of Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base, Colonel Pnb Andri Setyawan, while leading the OMC briefing, stated that this activity is a continuation of previous operations. According to him, the OMC considers meteorological analysis which shows the potential for cloud growth in the target area.

“This Weather Modification Operation is expected to help the efforts to prevent and control Karhutla in Riau effectively,” said Colonel Andri.

He also emphasized that all personnel must always prioritize flight safety and work for the smooth and successful implementation of each mission.

Meanwhile, the Commander of Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base, Air Marshal TNI Abdul Haris, in his statement, affirmed that the Indonesian Air Force is ready to fully support the implementation of the OMC as part of the commitment to help the government anticipate Karhutla in Riau.

“Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base will continue to work together with BNPB, BPBD and Damkar Riau, BMKG, and all relevant agencies in the implementation of the Weather Modification Operation. This support is a real form of the Indonesian Air Force’s preparedness in protecting the safety of the community and protecting the environment from the impact of forest and land fires,” he concluded. (H-3)

This strategy is part of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government’s commitment to minimize the risk of flooding and puddles that often disrupt residents’ mobility during the peak of the rainy season.

This proactive step aims to break up rain clouds before they enter densely populated areas, in order to minimize the potential for puddles and flooding.

Although weather modification is an important mitigation effort, this technique is not a permanent solution.

Jakarta is on flood alert until February 12, 2026. BMKG predicts heavy rain and carries out weather modification to mitigate disasters in the Capital.

Daily weather analysis is the main basis for making strategic decisions.

EFFORTS to extinguish forest and land fires (Karhutla) in Riau Province continue to be carried out intensively.

Of the 8 Karhutla locations in Riau, the Pelalawan Regency is one of the areas most affected.

The PROVINCIAL Government (Pemprov) of Riau officially established the emergency status for forest and land fires (Karhutla) starting Friday (February 13), which will be in effect until November 30, 2026.

FOREST and land fires (Karhutla) that hit Riau Province continue to spread and have even reached 745.5 hectares (ha).

To date, the process of extinguishing Karhutla continues to be carried out intensively.

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