Thanks To Weather Modification, Rainfall In Jakarta Was Successfully Lowered By 60 Percent

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) assesses that rainfall in Jakarta has been reduced to 50-60 percent thanks to weather modifications.

BMKG Weather Modification Deputy Tri Handoko Seto said the weather modification operation held by the BMKG together with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) for the Provision of Jakarta and the Indonesian Air Force took place February 1-6.

The weather modification operation was carried out by sprinkling 6.4 tons of salt/NaCl into potential rain clouds using the aircraft for a full week in the west, southwest, to northwestern sky of Jakarta province.

BMKG is optimistic that the accumulated yield of the 50-60 percent reduction in rainfall is estimated to remain low in the next few days.

With the decrease in the intensity of the rain, he said, BMKG hopes to also reduce the potential for flood disasters in Jakarta considering that it is currently in the peak phase of the rainy season.

"The results are quite effective in reducing the potential for hydrometeorological disasters in Jakarta and are expected to reduce risks that can endanger the community," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, February 9.

The weather modification operation was carried out after previously heavy rainfall with an intensity of more than 300 millimeters (mm) per day triggered flooding that submerged three cities in Jakarta Province on 29-30 January 2025.

Head of the Jakarta BPBD Disaster Data and Information Center Mohamad Yohan revealed, even two days later it rained very heavily, the flood still inundated 34 RTs in West Jakarta, North Jakarta and East Jakarta with water levels of 25-50 centimeters.

Including roads in the Cakung-Cilincing area, Sukapura Village, East Jakarta, which is still inundated with the only water level of adults' feet.

BPBD Jakarta recorded approximately 1,944 residents affected by the flood. Thousands of these residents are confirmed to receive maximum services ranging from meeting food needs, clean water, health, to proper evacuation.