BMKG: Indonesia has 699 seasonal zones, weather modification cannot be generalized

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) emphasized that weather modification operations cannot be carried out with the same pattern throughout Indonesia. The reason is that Indonesia has 699 seasonal zones with different rainfall characteristics.

Head of BMKG Teuku Faisal Fathani said that every weather modification operation must be based on scientific studies, not just looking at the dry season in general.

"Indonesia is divided into 699 seasonal zones. One area is not the same as another, the pattern of rain is also not the same," said Faisal after a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 28.

According to Faisal, there are areas that only know one season so that they still receive high rainfall even though other areas are experiencing drought. This condition occurs, among others, in the western part of Bukit Barisan, some parts of northern Kalimantan, and most of Papua.

On the other hand, there are also areas that have opposite seasonal patterns to other regions. While most of Indonesia is entering the dry season, a number of areas in Maluku are experiencing the rainy season.

Therefore, BMKG assesses that weather modification operations must be adjusted to the conditions of each region. The location determination also takes into account the conditions of 240 reservoirs that are sources of water for irrigation, hydropower plants, and community needs.

Faisal emphasized that every operation was carried out based on scientific analysis and using natural seeds so as not to harm the environment.