"We agreed that if the BMKG predicts heavier rainfall in Aceh, which could lead to flooding, we will carry out weather modification operations," the head of BNPB, Suharyanto, said on Tuesday.
He conveyed this after leading a disaster management coordination meeting in Aceh with the Aceh Regional Government in Banda Aceh.
According to him, weather conditions are still relatively under control in October 2025.
However, rainfall could increase in the next two months, similar to previous years.
Therefore, both agencies are preparing weather modification operations as a mitigation measure, as well as making other preparations on the ground.
"Rainfall can be reduced from above (through weather modification operations). However, the community and equipment are also prepared below. If rain and flooding occur, whether small or large, we can handle it," Suharyanto noted.
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He noted that his visit to Aceh for a coordination meeting today focused on reviewing disaster management measures at all stages — before, during, and after a disaster.
He said the meeting is crucial because Aceh is highly disaster-prone. The province has experienced every type of disaster in Indonesia, from earthquakes and tsunamis to floods and landslides, with forest and land fires even projected for 2025, he added.
"This coordination meeting identified several points for a follow-up in 2025 and beyond," he said.
To improve disaster preparedness, Suharyanto emphasized that the central government, provincial, and district/city governments will continue to improve coordination, collaboration, and cooperation.
"The central government, with its existing capabilities through the BNPB, continues to assist provincial and district/city governments according to their needs," he stated.
Meanwhile, the Aceh Besar District Government has declared a hydrometeorological disaster emergency to anticipate the impact, as the region is one of the districts most prone to such disasters.
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Translator: Rahmat Fajri, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
