JAKARTA: Indonesia is set to begin cloud seeding operations on Monday in Riau province to combat escalating forest and land fires, which are already causing haze to drift into parts of Malaysia.
Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), stated that the operation will last for at least seven days, with potential extensions based on conditions on the ground.
"A Cessna aircraft is scheduled to depart from Pondok Cabe Airport in Banten province on Sunday, and cloud seeding operations will be carried out on Monday using sodium chloride (NaCl) to induce rainfall over areas affected by the fires," Muhari said in a statement.
Data from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) indicated 1,208 fire hotspots across Sumatra as of Sunday, with 586 located in Riau alone. Local broadcaster Metro TV reported that haze from these fires has already reached parts of Malaysia.
To further aid in the effort, BNPB will deploy a Bell 206 helicopter for aerial patrols and has repositioned a Mi-8MSB-T water bombing helicopter from Palembang to Riau.
Additionally, a joint ground task force comprising disaster officials, military personnel, police, fire brigades, and volunteers will be mobilised to address the situation.– BERNAMA
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