Indonesia Ramps Up Cloud-Seeding to Battle Kalimantan Wildfires

JAKARTA — The Indonesian government is intensifying weather modification operations to fight forest and land fires in Kalimantan. The technique, commonly known as cloud-seeding, involves scattering chemicals into clouds to trigger rain. Officials say the move is part of an emergency response to curb the spread of fires that have threatened vast areas of peatland and rainforest. The operations aim to increase rainfall over key fire-prone zones, helping to drench the dry vegetation that fuels the blazes. Weather modification teams are coordinating with the military and disaster agencies to deploy aircraft for the missions. The method is considered a practical tool to supplement ground crews battling the fires directly. The fires in Kalimantan are often linked to slash-and-burn farming, particularly during the dry season. The government has repeatedly warned against such practices, but enforcement remains a challenge across the region's remote areas. Authorities say the intensified cloud-seeding is a short-term measure. Long-term solutions, including better land management and fire prevention, remain the focus for reducing future outbreaks.