TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Weather Modification Technology Unit of the Assessment and Application of Technology Agency (BPPT), Tri Handoko Seto, has confirmed that the weather alert issued by the United States Embassy in Indonesia is valid.

The U.S. Embassy earlier announced on its website that extreme rainfall is expected in Jakarta until January 12.

“Many ask me about the truth of this information. I answer straightforwardly, that is true,” said Tri in a written statement, Wednesday, January 8.

Tri said the agency’s Weather Modification Technology operational team has forecasted that the capital and its surrounding areas or Jabodetabek will experience heavy rainfall on January 11. The intensity is predicted at a range of 50-100 millimeters.

“It will not be as heavy as rainfall on December 31-January 1 but it potentially causes floods in several areas,” Tri added.

Additionally, Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) released a weather forecast that potential downpours with thunderstorm and strong winds will hit Jakarta Greater areas for the next week.

Following the extreme weather, Tri said the BPPT along with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Indonesian Air Force, and BMKG planned to carry out weather modification for 24 hours throughout January 10-13.

M YUSUF MANURUNG