Aceh Province Battles Expanding Forest Fires with Weather‑Modification Operations

A provincial meeting of the Forkopimda on 23 July 2026 in Banda Aceh focused on the spread of forest and land fires (karhutla) across Aceh Jaya, Aceh Barat, Nagan Raya, Aceh Selatan and Singkil. Governor Muzakir Manaf (Mualem) and officials urged regents and city leaders to strengthen preparedness and reactivate a dedicated fire‑handling desk. The fires, especially on peatland, have raised CO₂ levels, posing health risks and threatening the government's image.

In response, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) launched a cloud‑seeding operation on 25 July 2026 in collaboration with PT Smart Cakrawala Aviation. Using a Cessna C208 aircraft, approximately one ton of sodium chloride was dispersed at 8,000‑12,000 feet over Aceh Barat and Nagan Raya to stimulate rain and curb the fires. Local disaster agencies reported 12.5 hectares burned in four districts of Aceh Barat.