Indonesia Deploys Cloud Seeding to Combat Wildfires and Smog
Indonesian authorities are using cloud seeding technology to mitigate wildfires and hazardous air quality across four provinces.
According to a report by Khaosod Online citing Xinhua, the Indonesian government is actively conducting cloud seeding operations to address wildfires and dense smog. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that the initiative involves dispersing salt and dry ice to induce rainfall in the provinces of South Sumatra, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan.
In South Sumatra, officials reported eight cloud seeding flights since October 16, utilizing 1.6 tons of salt and 4 tons of dry ice. Authorities noted a subsequent decrease in PM 2.5 concentrations and improved visibility in the area. Similar efforts are underway in the Kalimantan regions, with West Kalimantan alone conducting 107 flights since August 22, using nearly 99 tons of salt. Officials estimate these combined efforts have generated millions of cubic meters of rainfall.
For travelers and residents, this situation is significant due to the potential for hazardous air quality and localized travel disruptions caused by smoke. While the operations have shown success in improving visibility and reducing pollution levels, the long-term effectiveness of these measures against the ongoing wildfire season remains to be confirmed. Residents and visitors in these regions are advised to monitor local air quality reports and follow guidance from regional authorities regarding outdoor activities.
