Indonesia to trial dry ice dispersal to combat severe haze

Indonesian authorities plan to conduct trials of dry ice dispersal in Palembang's airspace on Thursday as part of efforts to mitigate severe haze that has blanketed parts of the country. The test will involve spreading approximately 1.5 tonnes of dry ice over the South Sumatra city to assess the effectiveness of the cloud-seeding method in reducing atmospheric particulate matter.

The technique works by introducing dry ice into the upper atmosphere to encourage cloud formation and precipitation, potentially helping to clear suspended particles responsible for the thick haze. Regional haze episodes have become recurring challenges in Southeast Asia, often attributed to agricultural burning and industrial emissions, with consequences ranging from health impacts to disruptions in transportation and commerce.

This trial represents part of Indonesia's broader strategy to combat air quality degradation during haze season. The results of the Palembang test will likely inform future air quality management strategies and determine whether dry ice dispersal can be scaled up as a viable mitigation tool for the region.

Malaysia and neighbouring countries have previously experienced significant transboundary haze effects from Indonesian sources, making the outcome of such experimental interventions relevant across the broader Southeast Asian region.