East Java Runs Weather Modification to Secure Eid Travel

RRI.CO.ID, Surabaya - Indonesia intensified weather mitigation efforts to reduce extreme weather risks ahead of the upcoming Eid travel season. The update was announced in Surabaya on Friday, March 20, 2026, following recent weather assessments.

The policy responds to increased rainfall potential across several areas in East Java. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency reported rising extreme weather risks during March 11–20 across the region.

Moderate to heavy rain may occur with lightning and strong winds in several districts. The conditions are influenced by MJO, Kelvin waves, and unstable atmospheric dynamics in Indonesia.

These weather patterns may trigger hydrometeorological disasters in vulnerable areas across East Java. Potential impacts include floods, landslides, and disruptions to transportation and public activities. The risks are especially concerning during the busy Eid homecoming travel period.

The Indonesian government deployed a Weather Modification Operation to reduce rainfall intensity in high-risk areas. The operation is conducted by BMKG and the East Java Disaster Management Agency in coordination. It runs from March 16 to 25, 2026, based at the Juanda Naval Air Base command post.

BMKG Supervisor, Alif Kurniawan, explained operational progress during the initial phase of the weather modification program. The joint team conducted seven flight sorties within the first three days of operations. A total of 6,800 kilograms of NaCl and CaO were dispersed into potential rain clouds.

“This active measure has proven effective in reducing average rainfall intensity by up to 40 percent compared to normal conditions without intervention,” he said.

Initial evaluation also shows a significant decline in extreme rainfall events across several monitored locations. Heavy rainfall decreased by around 70 percent, while very heavy rain dropped by about 25 percent. Rain distribution is now more controlled and tends to fall in lighter intensity categories.

Deputy Governor of East Java, Emil Dardak, reviewed the operation at the Juanda command post with relevant officials. He appreciated the team’s success and said it shows effective science-based disaster mitigation efforts. Head of Juanda Meteorological Station, Taufiq Hermawan, said seeding uses real-time WOFI radar analysis.

BMKG forecasts show rainfall potential will continue until March 23, 2026, across East Java regions. Light to heavy rain may occur during March 19–20, followed by relatively lighter conditions afterward. The Indonesian government urges travelers to stay alert and monitor official weather updates regularly.