Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is assessing the use of dry ice technology to help combat forest and land fires across the country following two trial runs in South Sumatra.
BNPB Chief Lieutenant General Kristomei Sianturi said the trial results would be evaluated to determine the effectiveness of dry ice technology in supporting weather modification operations and inducing rainfall.
The evaluation will also help determine whether the technology is suitable for deployment in other regions facing the threat of forest and land fires.
Kristomei made the remarks after receiving a briefing from the commander of the forest and land fire response task force in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
BNPB Reviews Two Dry Ice Technology Trials in South Sumatra
BNPB recorded two dry ice technology trials in South Sumatra as part of efforts to strengthen forest and land fire response operations.
The technology was tested to support weather modification operations in line with the President’s directives.
Kristomei explained that the trials must be evaluated to ensure the technology can effectively contribute to firefighting efforts.
One of the key aspects under review is the potential of dry ice to trigger rainfall, which could help support fire suppression activities.
BNPB will also assess implementation costs before deciding whether to expand the technology’s use.
“If the technology proves effective, does not incur excessive costs, and can be applied across Indonesia, then why not?” Kristomei said.
Dry Ice Technology Could Be Expanded to Other Regions
Kristomei said the results of the South Sumatra trials would serve as a reference for developing fire management approaches in other regions.
According to him, technologies proven to be effective and affordable could be adopted to support firefighting operations.
However, nationwide implementation of dry ice technology will depend on the findings of BNPB’s evaluation.
The assessment aims to ensure that forest and land fires can be addressed promptly and effectively.
BNPB has not yet announced which regions may become the next locations for dry ice technology deployment.
BNPB Chief Emphasizes the Importance of Preventing Land Burning
Alongside evaluating firefighting technologies, Kristomei stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders in preventing forest and land fires.
He warned that firefighting efforts would struggle to achieve optimal results if land-clearing activities involving burning continued.
The central government, regional administrations, communities, and companies holding land concessions have therefore been urged to work together on prevention efforts.
Kristomei emphasized that forest and land fire management cannot rely solely on firefighting operations without effective preventive measures on the ground.
“Let us work together, including the central government, regional governments, communities, and the private sector. We must unite to tackle these fires because everyone is affected by their consequences,” Kristomei said.
BNPB Promotes an Integrated Approach to Forest and Land Fire Management
BNPB has reiterated the importance of evaluating the various forest and land fire management measures implemented in South Sumatra.
The findings are expected to help identify appropriate methods to accelerate firefighting efforts and minimize the impact of fires.
Dry ice technology is among the options being considered to strengthen weather modification operations.
Meanwhile, cooperation between the government, communities, and the private sector remains essential to reducing the risk of forest and land fires.
BNPB will use the findings on effectiveness and cost efficiency as the basis for deciding whether to expand the technology’s application to other regions across Indonesia.
Conclusion
BNPB is evaluating dry ice technology as a potential solution to support weather modification and combat forest and land fires in Indonesia. Following two trials in South Sumatra, the agency will assess the technology’s effectiveness and cost efficiency before considering wider implementation. However, sustainable fire management will also require stronger prevention efforts and collaboration among the government, communities, and private sector.
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