Indonesia chases clouds to stem El Nino fires

Indonesia is employing cloud-seeding to combat a severe wildfire season exacerbated by a strong El Nino. The National Disaster Management Agency has conducted over 252 cloud-seeding operations since 2021, aiming to draw rain away from flooded areas and douse wildfires. Meteorologist Safillah Anggie Wahyuni believes that cloud seeding could help tackle the record-breaking fires that have already scorched over 285,000 hectares, more than four times the size of Jakarta.

However, some experts question the effectiveness of cloud seeding during the dry season, when wildfires peak. The government maintains that cloud seeding is a mitigation effort, not a permanent solution, and there is no evidence of harmful effects. Activists argue that cloud seeding should not divert attention from underlying issues, such as deforestation and peatland conversion.

Indonesia is also focusing on peatland rewetting, monitoring fire hotspots with satellites and ground patrols, and banning large-scale plantations from using fire for land clearing. Despite these measures, illegal burning remains a significant problem, starting most of the country's wildfires. The upcoming El Nino is expected to further intensify the fires this year.