Jakarta – Welcoming the end of 2024, which is characterised by an increased risk of hydrometeorological disasters, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in a press release Wednesday, December 25, said it was intensifying weather modification operations in several disaster-prone areas.
This mitigation effort is carried out to control rainfall that can potentially trigger floods and landslides, especially in West Java, Jakarta, Central Java and East Java. “We prioritise public safety by reducing the adverse effects of disasters that often occur during the rainy season,” said BMKG Head Dwikorita Karnawati.
Weather modification is carried out using the seeding of superfine NaCl salt into potential clouds to control the location and intensity of rain so that there is no rainfall accumulation in vulnerable areas.
In DKI Jakarta, weather modification operations took place on December 7-9 and 13-16, 2024, while in West Java and Central Java, similar operations have been carried out since December 11, 2024, and in East Java starting December 18.
BMKG’s Deputy for Weather Modification, Tri Handoko Seto, emphasised that the operation aims to prevent natural disasters and maintain smooth transportation during the Christmas and New Year period.
“Often high rainfall at the end of the year causes infrastructure disruptions on land, sea and air. Through this operation, we ensure people can move safely during this busy period,” Seto explained.
BMKG cooperates with the national and regional disaster mitigation agencies (BNPB, BPBD), and private operators to implement this operation. Operational posts are also established in various strategic locations to monitor the implementation in real time, ensuring the effectiveness of weather modification in reducing disaster risk.
Dwikorita reminded the public to remain vigilant against potential extreme weather that could occur at any time. “Avoid risky activities, especially in disaster-prone areas. Plan your trip carefully, and always prioritise safety,” she urged.
With this effort, BMKG hopes to reduce the impact of disasters while ensuring the smooth running of various community activities at the end of the year. “Weather modification is our adaptive solution to face increasingly complex natural challenges. Hopefully, this will bring great benefits to the safety and welfare of the community,” Dwikorita concluded. (Hartatik)
