West Papua launches salt-based cloud seeding to curb forest fires and haze
Governor Dominggus Mandacan announced that cloud-seeding flights using eight tons of salt began today to reduce fire risk in West Papua.
West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan confirmed that weather-modification activities commenced after a cargo plane carrying eight tons of salt arrived at Manokwari's Rendani Airport. The cloud-seeding missions will focus on the districts of Fakfak, Teluk Bintuni and Kaimana, though authorities may also cover Manokwari and its surroundings. Using a Smart Aviation Cessna Caravan, each of the four planned flights will disperse one ton of salt into suitable cumulus clouds, a method chosen after ground firefighting proved difficult due to limited crews and hard-to-reach sites.
Coordination is being handled by weather-modification coordinator Fais Ramadhan together with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), which has recorded 73 hotspots across the province as of October 13. The initiative aims to lower the incidence of forest and land fires that create haze, threaten aviation, and hinder public mobility. The program is scheduled to conclude on October 15, with any extension dependent on BNPB directives.
Why it matters
The cloud-seeding effort seeks to prevent fire-related haze that disrupts travel and health in West Papua.
How this story developed
- Sep 27 Sumatra forest fires blamed for worsening haze over Johor and nearby regions
- Sep 28 A coalition of civil society and indigenous groups has filed a class-action lawsuit accusing the Indonesian government of failing to prevent massive forest and peatland fires in West Kalimantan.
- Oct 5 The Department of Environment reported that Malaysia contributed only about 3% of fire hotspots detected by satellite in southern Southeast Asia, with most occurring in Indonesia's Kalimantan and Sumatra.
- Oct 10 Kuala Lumpur and Singapore now record AQI levels that place them among the world’s most polluted major cities.
- Oct 10 The class‑action suit moved to a hearing in Pontianak, where no defendants were present.
- Oct 12 Malaysia's foreign minister said he will raise the transboundary haze problem at the upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers gathering, urging stronger regional measures.
- Oct 13 Updated satellite data reveal further growth in Sumatra's fire hotspots.
- Oct 13 Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim said evidentiary gaps hinder legal action against overseas firms.
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