Indonesia Deploys Dry Ice to Combat Persistent Forest Fire Haze
Indonesia launches a trial using dry ice to disperse thick smoke from forest fires in South Sumatra, aiming to improve air quality and visibility.
POLICY WIRE — Palembang, Indonesia — Indonesian authorities are launching a pioneering trial on Thursday, Oct 15, utilizing dry ice to clear dense haze caused by ongoing forest and land fires. The government initiative seeks to mitigate the thick smoke that has blanketed parts of Southeast Asia.
The Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs announced that aircraft will disperse 1.5 tons of solid carbon dioxide over urban centers in South Sumatra. This marks the nation’s first attempt to use this specific method to combat smoke pollution.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman inspected the operation at Sri Mulyono Herlambang Air Force Base on Oct 14, 2026. He explained that the dry ice is intended to break down low-level smoke, allowing it to rise and dissipate rather than accumulating over the city.
Unlike traditional weather modification operations that focus on inducing artificial rain to extinguish flames, this dry ice technique is designed specifically to reduce haze concentration. Both strategies will be deployed simultaneously to address the crisis from multiple angles.
The initiative follows direct orders from President Prabowo Subianto to accelerate mitigation efforts. The region has faced severe disruptions, including school closures in Malaysia and Timor-Leste, due to illegal land clearing practices.
Officials aim to increase visibility in affected areas from 1km to 5km or more. If the South Sumatra trial proves successful, the government plans to expand the operation to other regions, including Central Kalimantan.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
