Recently, Indonesia has once again been confronted with extreme weather phenomena: high-intensity rainfall within short periods, urban flooding, and drought in other regions. Climate variability is becoming increasingly evident—and increasingly costly in its impact.
Amid this situation, a strategic question arises: “Are we merely spectators of changing weather patterns, or can we become technological innovators capable of managing them?”
Weather Modification Technology (WMT) shows that Indonesia has never been passive. Since the trials in Bogor in 1977 and the Jatiluhur project in 1979, Indonesia has developed the capacity to intervene in cloud microphysical processes. However, behind these operational activities lies a much broader space for innovation—particularly in the field of Patents.
Correcting Misconceptions: WMT Does Not Create or Move Rain
Scientifically, WMT does not create clouds out of nothing, nor does it eliminate them. The intervention targets existing clouds by introducing hygroscopic particles that function as Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN).
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has emphasized that the atmospheric energy scale is far too large to create rain instantly. Realistic intervention focuses on optimizing condensation and droplet coalescence processes.
This is where the engineering dimension opens up real innovation opportunities—not myths—and where the role of Patents becomes crucial.
From Table Salt to Engineered Compositions: The Evolution of Inventions
The classical approach in Indonesia involves dispersing NaCl powder of approximately 50 microns from aircraft, even using food-grade salt to minimize contamination risks. Domestic studies have shown that its use does not significantly impact water quality.
However, innovation has not stopped at simply dispersing salt.
- Engineering Hygroscopic Solution Compositions
Patent S00202512764, owned by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), introduces a composition of NaCl (95–99%) and methanol (90–99%) in a 1:5 ratio, designed to produce micro hygroscopic particles (≥1 µm) through combustion in a Ground Particle Generator system without pyrotechnic mechanisms.
This means:
- Not merely adding material;
- But engineering aerosol characteristics;
- With a controlled particle size as CCN.
This approach reflects a paradigm shift—from “adding material” to “designing particles.”
- More Hygroscopic Alternatives: MgCl₂ and CaCl₂
Patent P00201602375, owned by the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), explores magnesium chloride hydrate (MgCl₂·nH₂O), which is more hygroscopic than NaCl.
The claimed advantages:
- More effective moisture absorption;
- More practical than pyrotechnic flares;
- Less corrosive to equipment.
Here we see that innovation extends beyond meteorology into logistics, safety, and operational efficiency.
Alternative Platforms: From Aircraft to Ground-Based Towers
Beyond aircraft, Indonesia has developed Ground-Based Generators (GBG) for orographic rain clouds.
Advantages include:
- Lower operational costs;
- Automation capability;
- Remote operation;
- Suitability for mountainous regions.
Patent P00202506598, also owned by BRIN, details an ejector nozzle system operating at ≥10 bar, designed to reach warm cloud targets up to 100 meters above the unit. The design has been validated through CFD simulations—entering the realm of precision fluid engineering.
Thus, this is no longer merely field operations, but a mature engineering system design.
The Future: Engineered CCN and Nano-Particles
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), often considered the U.S. equivalent of Indonesia’s meteorological agency, explains that every cloud droplet forms around condensation nuclei—dust, salt, or other hygroscopic particles.
Patent P00201300563, owned by BPPT, attempts to go further by:
- Producing nano-particles (0.1–0.3 µm);
- At high particle generation rates;
- Through atomization and high-temperature processing.
If particle size and concentration can be controlled stably:
- Material efficiency increases;
- Operations become more consistent;
- Generators can be ground-based;
- Dependence on flares decreases.
This is where disruptive innovation can continue to evolve—and be protected through Patents.
Extreme Weather as a Catalyst for Innovation and Patent Protection
Ultimately, extreme weather is not merely an environmental issue. It concerns food security, energy (hydropower and reservoirs), infrastructure, and even geopolitics. Within every technological solution lies a Patent opportunity.
Indonesia already possesses operational WMT capabilities, technical human resources, universities, research institutions, and real market demand. Yet protection of inventions at an early stage, commercialization strategies, and the courage to transform technology into IP assets remain limited.
This phenomenon should inspire Indonesian innovators to continue innovating—because market needs exist, licensing opportunities exist, and royalty potential exists through Patents.
Imagine if Indonesia could:
- Design next-generation, more efficient CCN;
- Develop IoT- and AI-based aerosol generators;
- Integrate CFD simulations with real-time radar data;
- Create next-generation, environmentally friendly seeding materials;
- Export GBG systems to other tropical countries.
In the end, weather engineering is no longer merely a government project. It has evolved into a Patent ecosystem—a space of innovation that offers economic value and strategic advantage for inventors.
With proper, strategically designed, and legally protected Patent registration, research results do not stop as technical reports. They transform into assets with bargaining power, commercial value, and ownership certainty.
Everything begins with one fundamental step: the courage to turn research into inventions—and inventions into protected assets.
If you are a researcher, startup founder, systems engineer, chemical industry professional, or technology investor, today’s extreme weather phenomenon is not merely an environmental challenge. It is a momentum for innovation.
Should you need assistance with Patent registration strategy and protection, contact us through the following channels and receive a FREE 15-minute consultation:
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About AFFA:
Established in 1999, AFFA Intellectual Property Rights is an Indonesia-based boutique IP law firm serving international brands and innovators, offering full-service support—from prosecution and licensing to enforcement and commercialization—in Indonesia’s dynamic IP landscape. Our firm is widely recognized for its excellence, with accolades including “Best Boutique Law Firm in Indonesia” and “IP Enforcement Firm” at the Indonesia Law Firm Awards 2025 by Asia Business Law Journal, as well as being listed as a “Recommended Firm 2024 — Indonesia” by WTR 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals. For more information, please visit: www.affa.co.id.
