The plan begins on April 11, 2022; we are still waiting for TNI's (National Defense Force's) airplane to be ready
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) will carry out weather modification operations to cause artificial rain in Riau to prevent forest and land burning.

"The plan begins on April 11, 2022; we are still waiting for TNI's (National Defense Force's) airplane to be ready," BRIN's Weather Modification Technology Management Laboratory coordinator Budi Harsoyo told ANTARA here on Wednesday.

The weather modification operation in Riau will be undertaken as a precaution against forest and land fire disasters by wetting peatlands so that they do not burn easily.

The operation will aim to maintain the peatland groundwater level within the upper limit threshold of drought.

The weather modification activity will be conducted for 15 days, with budget support from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

"The budget from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is supported by PT RAPP (Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper)," Harsoyo informed.

Meanwhile, BRIN has prepared 20 tons of NaCI powder for the 15-day operation in Riau.

The weather modification operation will be conducted through a collaboration between BRIN, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

The activity will also involve the Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM), TNI Air Force, and PT RAPP.

In a statement issued on March 17, BMKG's data and information coordinator for Riau Marzuki said that people should be wary of forest and land fires at the start of the second period of the dry season.

The period is estimated to last from May to September, with the peak of the dry season occurring from June to July.

However, various parties should prepare themselves from May until September. During that period, Riau will experience a dry season.

Related news: BMKG forecasts higher potential of forest, land fires in 2022
Related news: West Aceh still prone to forest, land fires: BPBD
Related news: Weather modification technology to prevent forest fire: ministry

Translator: Martha H S, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2022