Indonesia has agreed to open its airspace for cloud seeding flights aimed at tackling haze, according to a report by The Straits Times. The announcement was made by Malaysia, which has been affected by the transboundary smoke.
The Straits Times reported on Monday, 24 August 2026, that the Indonesian government will permit the weather modification operations in its territory. Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances into clouds to encourage rainfall, which can help clear smoke and reduce air pollution.
The decision follows persistent haze issues in the region, which have impacted air quality in Malaysia. By allowing these flights, Indonesia is cooperating with Malaysia to address the seasonal problem that typically arises from forest and land fires.
The report did not specify the exact timeline for the operations or which agencies would carry out the flights. It also did not detail the terms of the airspace opening, such as altitude limits or designated flight corridors.
This move marks a step in cross-border cooperation on environmental issues, as haze from land clearing has repeatedly strained relations between the two neighbours in past years.
Observers will be watching whether the cloud seeding operations begin promptly and whether they lead to measurable improvements in air quality across affected areas.
