Cloud seeding prevents rainfall in Greater Jakarta, Indonesia

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) continues its weather modification operations to control rainfall and mitigate flooding in Greater Jakarta. The operation aims to reduce heavy rainfall by dispersing sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium oxide (CaO) into the atmosphere using aircraft.

BNPB has carried out a total of seven sorties over 16 hours and 43 minutes, dispersing 9 000 kg (19 842 lbs) of NaCl and 2 000 kg (4 409 lbs) of CaO. On March 5, six sorties were flown using a Cessna Caravan PK-SNP aircraft over West Java, including the northern waters of the provinces of Bekasi, Karawang, Pamanukan, Jatiluhur, and Bandung.

BNPB, in coordination with related ministries, will continue weather modification operations until March 8 because of forecasts predicting moderate to heavy rainfall in the region until March 11. The goal is to reduce rainfall in flood-prone areas and redirect precipitation toward safer zones, such as nearby seas.

BNPB Deputy for Prevention, Prasinta Dewi, visited Depok on March 5 to assess disaster response efforts. The city experienced severe flooding on March 4, affecting 20 locations across seven sub-districts. 578 families, or approximately 2 286 individuals, have been impacted as of March 5.

Most floodwaters have receded, and cleanup efforts are underway.

Tanah Baru Village in the Beji District and the Miftahul Huda Islamic Boarding School in the Pancoran Mas District remain submerged. BNPB has recommended that Depok establish a Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to improve disaster response capabilities.

BNPB’s Control and Operations Center (Pusdalops) reported multiple wet hydrometeorological disasters across Indonesia on March 6. In Karawang, West Java, floods affected eight villages and one sub-district across three districts, impacting 10 180 people from 3 659 families. Water levels reached 10–200 cm (4–79 inches), forcing 375 residents to evacuate. Four villages remain submerged while floodwaters have begun to recede in some areas.

Southwest Aceh, Aceh Province, experienced heavy rainfall that flooded 46 villages across eight sub-districts, submerging 429 homes and damaging a school, a place of worship, and a bridge. Local authorities are distributing food and supplies.

In West Aceh, 18 villages in four sub-districts were affected by flooding, with water levels reaching 30–40 cm (12–16 inches), disrupting daily activities for 232 people from 56 families.

In Balangan, South Kalimantan, floodwaters submerged 682 houses across eight villages and two sub-districts, damaging 15 ha (37 acres) of agricultural land, 500 palm oil seedlings, and 200 chickens. Roads, government buildings, and schools were also affected.

In Indragiri Hulu, Riau Province, flooding affected 2 336 people across 584 families, with water levels ranging from 60–110 cm (24–43 inches). Roads, four schools, a healthcare facility, and a place of worship were inundated, with some village roads becoming impassable because of rising water levels.

Rokan Hulu, Riau Province, has faced flooding since March 2, affecting 610 homes and 2 372 residents in Sontang Village, where water levels remain between 50–100 cm (20–39 inches). In Pekanbaru, Riau Province, floods affected 3 812 people from 1 228 families across seven sub-districts. Water levels have begun to recede, and cleanup efforts are ongoing.

In North Labuhan Batu, North Sumatra, flooding on March 3 submerged homes under 120 cm (47 inches) of water, impacting 121 families. Floodwaters are now receding.

In Bogor, West Java, a landslide in Bojong Koneng Village affected 400 people from 109 families, forcing evacuations. Emergency shelters and health services have been set up for affected residents.

References:

¹ OMC Second Day of BNPB, No Rain in Jabodetabek Area – BNPB – March 6, 2025

² Development of the Disaster Situation on March 6, 2025, Nine Regions Affected by Wet Hydrometeorological Disasters – BNPB – March 6, 2025

³ BNPB Supports Acceleration of Disaster Management in Depok City – BNPB – March 6, 2025

Rishika Yadav

Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.

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