Indonesia considers expanding dry ice trials to tackle haze after 'fairly effective' South Sumatra test
"If this technology is considered effective, does not cost too much and can be applied across Indonesia, then why not?" new Indonesia disaster agency head Kristomei Sianturi said.
Indonesian authorities are contemplating expanding the use of dry ice, a weather modification technology, to additional areas plagued by forest fires, following a successful trial in South Sumatra, according to Kristomei Sianturi, the newly appointed head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The technology, which has been employed twice in the province, has reportedly shown promise in inducing rainfall and aiding firefighting endeavors, according to Sianturi.
President Prabowo Subianto has tasked the agency with assessing the technology's effectiveness in clearing the air and extinguishing the flames. Governor Herman Deru of South Sumatra revealed that around 1.6 tonnes of dry ice are being deployed daily, leading to enhanced visibility in Palembang, with visibility reaching up to 6,000 meters.
However, meteorologist Siswanto reported inconsistent outcomes, with visibility and air quality varying throughout the trial. The effectiveness of dry ice deployment could be gauged by the absence of flight delays or cancellations, as the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport Meteorological Station's operations serve as an indicator of the technology's efficacy.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Haze from forest fires still blankets Sumatra, Batam Islands thejakartapost.com
