We will conduct (weather modification) in January and February, and we will cooperate with BNPB on the weather modification technology
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta provincial government plans to conduct weather modification by collaborating with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to anticipate extreme weather at the start of 2023.

"We will conduct (weather modification) in January and February, and we will cooperate with BNPB on the weather modification technology," Acting Governor of Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono stated here on Tuesday.

After discussing cooperation with BNPB on disaster mitigation in the capital city, Hartono remarked that the next step is to rework the disaster vulnerability map.

He noted that the Air Force and National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) will also be involved in the technical implementation of weather modification.

"Later, Mr Isnawa Adji (Chief of Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency) will coordinate with BRIN and the Air Force to anticipate (extreme weather) from December 28 onwards. Maybe we will break it with the weather modification technology," the acting governor stated.

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Hartono said that in addition to modifying the weather, his side will dredge small rivers in Jakarta.

Moreover, the provincial government will proceed with the planned scenario as a precautionary measure against bad weather on New Year's Eve or December 31, 2022.

"We will monitor the weather development (to act on) the scenario. Today, we will gather related agencies to discuss the condition," he stated.

Earlier, President Joko Widodo had urged officials to maximize the use of weather information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) as an early warning tool and for disaster mitigation.

Meanwhile, BNPB Chief Suharyanto said Jakarta is one of the provinces highly prone to risks of disasters, such as floods.

"With fairly high rainfall, Jakarta has the potential to face annual flood disasters that must be anticipated," he stated.

Despite no volcanoes around Jakarta, the BNPB continues to maintain vigil since there is also the likelihood of earthquakes, based on historical experience.

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Translator: Yogi R, Kenzu
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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