Jakarta. The Jakarta administration plans to launch weather modification operations on Thursday to encourage rainfall and ease the heat ahead of the Jakarta Running Festival and a concert by American rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, scheduled for this weekend.

Governor Pramono Anung said the two-day operation was intended to help create cooler conditions for the events amid a prolonged dry spell.

The Jakarta Running Festival (JRF), scheduled for Oct. 24–25, is expected to bring large numbers of runners onto the capital's streets. Hot weather and concerns over air quality could pose challenges for participants, particularly those competing in long-distance races.

Pramono also cited a concert by Ye scheduled for the same weekend as another reason for the planned weather intervention.

“I have instructed the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency to conduct weather modification operations on Oct. 22–23. If possible, we could actually start today,” Pramono told reporters at Jakarta City Hall on Wednesday.

He said the administration would attempt to induce rainfall if atmospheric conditions were favorable, with the possibility of further intervention through Oct. 25.

“Hopefully, the cloud conditions will be suitable. But clearly, through Oct. 25, I have instructed the team to help encourage rainfall if possible. We will try to make it rain,” he said.

The initiative comes amid concerns over Jakarta's hot weather and air quality, both of which can affect outdoor activities. Exposure to air pollution during strenuous exercise can increase health risks, making weather and environmental conditions particularly important for mass-participation sporting events.

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