Government Strengthens Aerial Operations to Address Forest Fires Amid El Niño

Government Strengthens Aerial Operations to Address Forest Fires Amid El Niño

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The government is strengthening aerial operations to expedite the suppression of forest and land fires amid the threat of El Niño. The government deployed around 43 helicopters and prepared fixed-wing aircraft as needed in the field.

The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, stated that the deployment of aerial support is part of the government's efforts to address forest and land fires in various regions of Indonesia.

"In carrying out air operations conducted by the Air Task Force, we have deployed around 43 helicopters up to today, in addition to fixed-wing aircraft ranging from 10 to 15 as needed," Djamari said at a press conference in Jakarta, Monday, 10 August 2026.

In addition to air operations, the government is also preparing a Ground Task Force with personnel and equipment to support the suppression of forest and land fires on the ground. The suppression is carried out in an integrated response by involving various government elements to anticipate the spread of fires amid dry weather conditions.

Djamari said that aerial operations are one of the most effective efforts in dealing with forest and land fires, especially through the Weather Modification Operation (OMC) conducted by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). However, the implementation of OMC depends on the availability of rain clouds in the target areas.

"Air operations are actually very effective, especially through cloud seeding operations carried out by BNPB. That is the most effective. But there is one major challenge: we have to find rain clouds," he explained.

The government continues to monitor weather changes to determine the timing of the OMC implementation. Based on forecasts, this week until 18 August, there are three to four days with the potential for rain clouds that can be utilized for weather modification operations.