People push their motorbikes through water in an area affected by floods following heavy rains in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2021. Photo by Reuters
The Jakarta authorities have allocated approximately 4.1 billion rupiah (US$260,000) for a weather modification program aimed at mitigating flooding in the city.
Acting Governor of Jakarta Teguh Setyabudi stated that the budget will be allocated in three phases. The first phase, from Dec. 7 to 9, will cost approximately US$81,000, while the second phase, from Dec. 12 to 15, will require about US$100,000. Over US$80,000 will be allocated for the third phase.
For the weather modification operation, aircraft will be used to spread special materials such as salt and lime (CaO) to reduce the formation of rain clouds in certain areas.
According to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), storms in the Indian Ocean and the Asian monsoon will increase rainfall in the Java region, including Jakarta. Peak rainfall has been predicted on Dec. 13-14, with some areas recording moderate-to high-intensity rain.
Setyabudi said Jakarta will collaborate with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency to determine the most critical period for weather modification operations. The city’s administration will use the unexpected assistance fund to secure funding for implementing programs in case of need, he added.
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