Indonesia Detects Over 5,000 Wildfire Hotspots Amid El Niño Threat

Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry has detected 5,019 wildfire hotspots across the archipelago, citing heightened drought risks due to the El Niño phenomenon. The ministry indicated that a significant portion of these hotspots are attributed to intentional burning for land clearing. Particular concern is focused on Sumatra and Kalimantan, where a surge in hotspots has prompted intensified vigilance. These regions have a history of experiencing large-scale forest fires that have led to severe air pollution. The government plans to strengthen monitoring systems and expedite firefighting operations in collaboration with local authorities, the military, and the police. Citizens are urged to exercise caution with fire and report any suspicious fires promptly. The El Niño phenomenon is known to bring drier weather to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, thereby increasing the risk of wildfires. The government aims to dedicate its full efforts to fire prevention measures during the current dry season, drawing from past experiences. Source: Antara News (English)