The weather in the afternoon is expected to be clear, so that the event can be executed well in accordance with the initial plan
Labuan Bajo, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The National Defense Forces (TNI) coordinated with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to implement weather modification technology to ensure that the 42nd ASEAN Summit is held in clear weather conditions.

"Yesterday, they already aerially sprayed 10 tons of salt, and this morning, they spread another 10 tons as an anticipatory measure," TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono told reporters here on Wednesday.

The BMKG has collaborated with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Air Force to conduct weather modification operation to manipulate weather conditions during the course of the 42nd ASEAN Summit.

Weather modification has been undertaken since May 8, 2023, and will be conducted until May 12, 2023. Weather modification is conducted using the Cassa aircraft from the Air Squadron 4.

"The weather in the afternoon is expected to be clear, so that the event can be executed well in accordance with the initial plan," the admiral remarked optimistically.

Meanwhile, Head of the Komodo Meteorology Station Sti Nenotek outlined that Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, had started to enter the early dry season in the middle of April.

However, the likelihood of low level of rainfall still exists. Hence, to anticipate the possibility of rains throughout the 42nd ASEAN Summit, the BMKG, BRIN, and Air Force conduct weather modification.

"The spraying already began today from 6:30 a.m. WITA (Central Indonesian Time). Today's target is to spray 12 times," Nenotek noted.

Based on the existing schedule, weather modification will be conducted five times on Thursday and thrice on Friday. The weather modification flight target area comprises waters and the savanna in East Nusa Tenggara.

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Translator: Fransiska M N, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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