West Kalimantan deploys three aircraft for weather modification
The West Kalimantan Provincial Government has deployed three aircraft to support Weather Modification Operations (OMC) as part of efforts to accelerate rainfall and assist in handling forest and land fires (karhutla) in several areas.
West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan said the three aircraft are being used for cloud seeding using salt as the seeding material to increase the likelihood of rain in areas that need it.
“The provincial government has obtained OMC support, aircraft for rain seeding using salt. There are three aircraft, two we have assigned to Ketapang, and one is on standby in Pontianak,” said Ria Norsan in Pontianak on Tuesday.
He explained that two aircraft are stationed in Ketapang Regency to support karhutla handling, while the other aircraft is on standby in Pontianak to support OMC implementation across West Kalimantan.
According to Norsan, the karhutla situation in Ketapang Regency is gradually improving. Based on weather monitoring data, fire conditions in several parts of West Kalimantan are also considered less severe than before.
Although conditions are improving, Norsan urged all parties to remain vigilant and not become complacent about the potential for karhutla. Handling efforts, he said, will continue until natural rain falls evenly across West Kalimantan.
“Hopefully natural rain will fall soon. Besides our own efforts, we are also asking the public to perform the Istisqa prayer this Friday to ask for rain,” he said.
He said the regional government continues to optimise various karhutla handling measures, including through OMC, while encouraging the public to play a role in preventing new fire hotspots.
On the law enforcement side, Norsan stressed that regulations concerning karhutla remain in force. He also appreciated the involvement of the TNI and Polri in assisting with firefighting efforts at several affected locations.
“If we want to be firm, the rules of the game remain the same. I see the police and the TNI are working to help with firefighting. The rules remain the same,” he said.