Indonesian Air Force deploys CN-295 to curb land, forest fire risks

Weather modification aims to increase rainfall, moisten dry land, reduce the risk of fires spreading, and support firefighting efforts,

Kendari, SE Sulawesi (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force has deployed a CN-295 transport aircraft to support weather modification operations aimed at reducing the risk of forest and land fires in Southeast Sulawesi.

Haluoleo Air Base Commander Col. Tarmuji Hadi Susanto said on Wednesday that the operation was intended to prevent fires from spreading and protect fire-prone areas amid dry conditions.

He said the air base was ready to provide full support to the provincial government and relevant agencies.

"Haluoleo Air Base is ready to deploy its available resources and facilities to help optimize weather modification operations in Southeast Sulawesi," Tarmuji said.

The CN-295 carries sodium chloride (NaCl) for cloud seeding, which is dispersed over selected areas to stimulate rainfall. The operation is part of broader efforts to mitigate and control forest and land fires, particularly in areas experiencing dry conditions and facing an elevated fire risk.

"Weather modification aims to increase rainfall, moisten dry land, reduce the risk of fires spreading, and support firefighting efforts, particularly in areas that are difficult to access by road," Tarmuji said.

He said the Air Force's participation underscored its commitment to disaster response and protecting public safety and the environment through interagency coordination.

The Southeast Sulawesi Climatology Station of Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 146 hotspots classified as moderate category.

The hotspots were distributed across Bombana (10), Buton (7), North Buton (1), Kendari (3), Kolaka (12), East Kolaka (7), North Kolaka (10), Konawe (67), South Konawe (12), North Konawe (16), and Muna (1).

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Translator: La Ode M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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