BMKG's Steps to Face El Nino which is in the Strong Category, Prevent Drought and Karhutla

Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Teuku Faisal Fathani explained regarding El Nino which is currently in the strong category. In addition to El Nino, Indonesia is also facing a long dry season which has the potential for drought and forest and land fires (karhutla).

However, a number of efforts have been made by BMKG together with relevant ministries and agencies to prevent drought and forest fires. This was conveyed by the Head of BMKG Teuku Faisal Fathani at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 28.

According to Faisal, BMKG prioritizes two mitigation steps. First, anticipate drought through weather modification operations to fill reservoirs. Second, reduce the risk of forest and land fires in vulnerable areas.

Weather modification operations are carried out jointly with BNPB, the Ministry of Forestry, local governments, and a number of other parties. A total of six provinces are the focus of handling, namely Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan.

Operations were also carried out on a situational basis in the Riau Islands and Aceh. BMKG noted that weather modification operations that took place throughout 2026 were able to increase rainfall by around 30 to 40 percent in certain areas.