BMKG Prevents Potential Forest Fires in West Kalimantan with Cloud Seeding
Editor
29 June 2024 12:39 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) is taking proactive steps to prevent land and forest fires in West Kalimantan, by performing Weather Modification Operation (OMC). BMKG has deployed cloud seeding techniques since June 25 and will continue until July 5.
“Historically, the peak of land and forest fire in West Kalimantan occurs from July to September 2024, and generally, also occurs in other provinces that are prone [to forest fire],” said the head of BMKG, Dwikorita, in a written statement on Saturday, June 29.
Peatland Water Monitoring (Sipalaga) data published by the Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM) shows that most of the peatlands in West Kalimantan are now dry. The groundwater level is also below 40 centimeters. The groundwater level is classified as very low and has a vulnerable status.
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry's (KLHK) land fire monitoring system, Sipongi, indicates that the area burned in West Kalimantan will reach 111,848 hectares by 2024. "Of course, this is very extensive and OMC will try to mitigate it so that similar incidents do not happen again," Dwikorita said.
BMKG acting deputy of weather modification Tri Handoko Seto said that his office is using 13 tons of NaCI powder for cloud seeding and CASA 212-200 aircraft from Malang are supporting the operation.
The operation focuses on Kubu Raya, Ketapang, Sambas, Sintang, Sekadau, and Sanggau districts. “Areas with critical groundwater levels (below 40 cm) will be prioritized,” Seto said.
According to BMKG analysis, despite West Kalimantan being a Non-ZOM area (historically stable rainfall), forecasts in June and July 2024 predict normal to below normal rain for Kubu Raya, making it susceptible to fires.
Seto ensured that the BMKG would continue to monitor hot spots in West Kalimantan and mitigate land and forest fires. With the OMC, the government hopes that peatlands will become wet again. "This will make it difficult for peatlands to burn when the peak of the dry season arrives," he said.
Irsyan Hasyim (Kontributor)
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