BNPB Launches Weather Modification Flights to Address Jakarta’s Flood Risk

Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Reported by Antara, The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has continued its weather modification operations to support emergency response efforts in Jakarta and surrounding areas from July 7 to 11, 2025. This initiative is a precautionary measure to address the risk of moderate to heavy rainfall in the region.

Abdul Muhari, the Head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, shared a statement on Wednesday, outlining the operations. On Monday, July 7, a Cessna 208 Caravan (PK-DPI) completed a flight sortie, dispersing 800 kg of sodium chloride (NaCl) over the coastal areas of Banten and Lebak.

“The next day, Tuesday (July 8), BNPB added another Cessna Caravan (PK-SNL) to its fleet to further enhance the operation and support flood prevention in the Greater Jakarta area. With this additional aircraft, a total of six NaCl seeding sorties were conducted. Two sorties from PK-SNL targeted the southern waters of West Java and the northern waters of the West Java Sea,” Muhari explained.

Read Also: US and Indonesia Ink US$34 Billion Worth of Strategic Deals

The goal of the seeding was to reduce the likelihood of moisture-laden air masses entering Jakarta and West Java. In total, 2,000 kg of NaCl was dispersed during the operations. Four sorties were carried out over the northern coasts of Karawang, Subang, and Indramayu, with each sortie dispersing 800 kg of NaCl.

Following these operations, field observations showed that there was no rainfall in Jakarta, Bekasi, or surrounding areas.

“In light of the potential threats posed by hydrometeorological factors, BNPB urges local governments and residents to remain vigilant and prepared. For weather-related disasters, particularly floods, landslides, and strong winds, BNPB has provided support, including through weather modification operations,” Muhari added.

He also urged residents in disaster-prone areas to be extra cautious of possible wet hydrometeorological disasters, as heavy rainfall is expected to continue in some regions.

According to the latest weather forecast from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the risk of extreme weather in the Greater Jakarta area is expected to decrease over the next three days.

On Wednesday, July 9, Jakarta’s weather forecast showed no extreme weather, while Banten and West Java were still expected to experience strong winds. Strong winds are also anticipated to persist in Banten on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (BL)

BNPBExtreme WeatherFlood PreventionHydrometeorological DisastersIndonesia FloodsJakarta Flood RiskMeteorologySodium ChlorideWeather Modification
Comments (0)
Add Comment