JAKARTA – The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) is intensifying weather modification karhutla operations by leveraging cloud formation potential to bolster Weather Modification Operations as part of efforts to tackle forest and land fires (Karhutla).
The ministry has focused such initiative in regions experiencing a rise in hotspots, particularly in provinces of Riau, Central Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan.
Ristianto Pribadi, Head of the Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation Bureau at the Ministry of Forestry, stated that they have been in coordination with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Board (BMKG) to determine the precise locations and timing for conducting the weather modification operation.
“For the implementation of weather modification, we continue to coordinate with the BMKG to assess cloud formation potential and determine the optimal timing. West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan are areas of concern due to the increase in hotspots and the spread of smoke,” Ristianto said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
According to a BMKG report dated August 12, 2026, moderate to high potential for cloud formation is forecast for West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan during the period of 13 – 16 August 2026.
This opportunity will be utilized to support the operations, particularly in areas where hotspots have increased and the spread of smoke has been detected.
Rising Hotspots
BMKG data indicates that the number of hotspots in West Kalimantan rose from 98 to 136 compared to the previous day. In Central Kalimantan, the number of hotspots increased from 29 to 78.
Meanwhile, South Kalimantan also saw an increase in hotspots, rising from 10 to 31. This situation is a cause for concern, as smoke has been detected spreading across several regions of Kalimantan.
“We will capitalize on identified cloud potential to support the operations. This is part of a concerted effort to mitigate the risk of forest and land fires, particularly in areas currently showing an increase in hotspots and smoke,” said Ristianto.
The BMKG has also detected signs of transboundary haze moving from West Kalimantan toward Sarawak, Malaysia. This situation is also a key focus in efforts to control forest and land fires.
The operations of weather modification in Central Kalimantan are taking place from August 11 to 15. Meanwhile, such activities in West Kalimantan are scheduled for 13 – 17 August, utilizing available cloud formation potential. Such operations in Riau have been underway since 30 July and are scheduled to continue until 22 August 2026.
The Ministry of Forestry has confirmed that monitoring of weather conditions and hotspots will continue in collaboration with the BMKG. Any favorable weather opportunities will be utilized to help curb the risk of forest and land fires spreading.
In addition to relying on weather modification measures, the Ministry of Forestry urges the public and corporations not to clear land by burning.
Ristianto emphasized that any violations regarding land burning would be met with legal action. Strict law enforcement is necessary to act as a deterrent and prevent the spread of forest and land fires.
sawitku.id. Titik Panas Melonjak, Kemenhut Optimalkan Awan untuk Operasi Modifikasi Cuaca. https://www.sawitku.id/nasional/81417500809/titik-panas-melonjak-kemenhut-optimalkan-awan-untuk-operasi-modifikasi-cuaca
