Indonesia's battle against wildfires, exacerbated by a strong El Nino, has led the country to explore innovative solutions, with cloud seeding emerging as a potential game-changer. This technique, though rarely employed globally for wildfire management, holds promise for Indonesia's unique environmental challenges.
The Cloud Seeding Approach
Cloud seeding involves introducing substances like silver iodide or salts into clouds to induce precipitation. Indonesia's meteorologist, Safillah Anggie Wahyuni, believes this method can optimize existing cloud potential, especially in regions like Borneo, known for its pristine rainforests and diverse wildlife.
A Scarred Past, A Hopeful Future
Indonesia's history with wildfires, particularly during the 2015 El Nino, has left a deep scar. The country aims to avoid a repeat of the regional haze crisis by employing cloud seeding more aggressively. The government's data reveals a significant increase in cloud-seeding operations, with a notable rise from 85 in the previous decade to 252 between 2021 and 2026.
Weather Modification: A Complex Strategy
While cloud seeding offers a glimmer of hope, it is not without its challenges. Safillah emphasizes that weather modification is effective only under the right conditions. Experts like I Putu Santikayasa caution against its use during the dry season, when wildfires are most prevalent, due to the lack of clouds. Additionally, research suggests assessing the efficacy of cloud seeding is complex, and there are concerns about the potential harms and costs associated with the widespread use of silver iodide.
Mitigation vs. Permanent Solution
Budi Harsoyo, director of weather modification at BMKG, acknowledges that cloud seeding is a mitigation effort rather than a permanent solution. He cites research indicating its success in doubling rainfall and eliminating fire hotspots during a 12-day operation in 2023. However, activists argue that such mitigation efforts fail to address underlying issues, including the mass conversion of rainforests and peatlands.
Protecting Vulnerable Ecosystems
Uli Arta Siagian, campaign coordinator with WALHI, emphasizes the importance of safeguarding tropical peatlands, which act as vital carbon stores when wet but become highly flammable when dry. Siagian calls for the state to protect these vulnerable areas by refraining from issuing permits for development.
A Regional Concern
Indonesia's wildfires not only impact the country but also affect its neighbors, Malaysia and Singapore, through the spread of hazardous haze. In recent days, this haze has led to school closures in the Malaysian part of Borneo. Indonesia is employing a multi-pronged approach, including cloud seeding, peatland rewetting, and satellite and ground monitoring, to tackle the issue.
The Role of Climate Change
Activist group 350.org warns that climate change is exacerbating the wildfire trend. The current El Nino, which typically causes drier conditions in Indonesia, has arrived on top of higher global baseline temperatures, leading to more extreme weather events. The area burned in the first half of 2026 already exceeds the total loss in 2023, indicating a worsening situation.
Conclusion
Indonesia's innovative approach to wildfire management through cloud seeding showcases its commitment to tackling environmental challenges. While the technique offers hope, it also highlights the complex interplay of environmental, social, and economic factors. The country's efforts serve as a reminder of the global impact of climate change and the need for innovative solutions to protect our planet.
