Jakarta Deploys Artificial Rain Technology Amid Drought and Air Quality Concerns

Jakarta is deploying artificial rain technology to combat prolonged drought and worsening air quality. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), in collaboration with the DKI Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD DKI Jakarta), has installed ground-based generators in several high-rise buildings across the capital. These generators are designed to release water vapor or flares into the atmosphere to induce rainfall, particularly when the capital experiences extended periods without rain and air quality deteriorates. According to BMKG Head Teuku Faisal Fathani, the technology will be used on a situational basis, especially during droughts that lead to poor air quality. "When there are healthy clouds, water vapor or flares will be released so that it can rain," Fathani stated. He elaborated that the operation would be carried out if Jakarta has not seen rain for approximately two to three weeks and suitable clouds are still present. Fathani emphasized that weather modification is contingent on the presence of clouds. "If there are no clouds, we can't modify," he said. Artificial rain is expected to help lower air temperatures and improve Jakarta's air quality during prolonged dry spells. The operation will be conducted through coordination between BMKG and the DKI Jakarta BPBD, adapting to developing weather conditions. Jakarta, like many large urban centers, often grapples with air pollution stemming from a combination of factors including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and seasonal dry conditions. Artificial rain is seen as a potential short-term measure to mitigate some of these impacts.