Prevent Flooding from Recurring, Jakarta Rely on Weather Modification

JAKARTA - The Jakarta Provincial Government has prepared a budget of up to Rp. 31 billion for the implementation of weather modification operations (OMC) throughout 2026. The budget is allocated as a strategic step to control the weather, both in the rainy season to reduce the risk of flooding and during the dry season to anticipate drought and potential clean water crisis.

Head of the Jakarta Provincial BPBD Data and Information Center, Mohamad Yohan, said the allocation of OMC budget was flexible and would be adjusted to the needs and dynamics of atmospheric conditions throughout the year.

"Until December 2026, the OMC budget is around Rp. 31 billion and adjusts to needs. Weather modification operations are also planned to be carried out during the dry season," said Yohan, Monday, January 19.

As a first step, BPBD Jakarta has carried out OMC since January 16 and is scheduled to last until January 20, 2026. This operation is focused on reducing the intensity of extreme rain that has the potential to trigger puddles and flooding in a number of capital city areas.

The implementation of OMC is carried out by flying a CASA A-2105 aircraft based at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, East Jakarta. In its operations, BPBD Jakarta works together with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the Indonesian Air Force, and PT Rekayasa Atmosphere Indonesia as technical partners for cloud seeding.

Head of the Jakarta BPBD, Isnawa Adji, assessed that OMC played an important role in reducing the impact of heavy rain that occurred in the last few days. According to him, weather modification efforts help control rainfall so that the potential for flooding can be suppressed.

"If the BPBD did not carry out weather modification operations in the past few days, the number of flooded areas today would be much higher," said Isnawa.

He added, during the implementation of OMC, BPBD Jakarta together with BMKG and TNI AU conducted evaluations and coordination every day to determine the location and time of the most effective cloud seeding according to atmospheric developments.

However, the Jakarta BPBD still appeals to the public to increase vigilance against the potential for moderate to heavy rain which can be accompanied by lightning, thunder, and strong winds. Residents are also asked to maintain environmental cleanliness, especially water and drainage channels, to minimize the risk of flooding.

Disaster information and early weather warnings can be accessed through the Jakarta Siaga 112 service, the JAKI application, the bpbd.jakarta.go.id website, and the @bpbddkijakarta social media account.

Meanwhile, the Jakarta BPBD confirmed that the flood that had hit a number of capital city areas had receded. On Sunday (18/1/2026), it was recorded that 48 RT and 29 roads were submerged due to heavy rain.

"Until Monday (19/1/2026) at 07.00 WIB, all puddles in Jakarta have receded," said Yohan.

BPBD Jakarta emphasized that it would continue to monitor and increase its readiness to face potential extreme weather in the future.