Forest and Land Fires Rage Across Indonesia, Particularly in Kalimantan and Sumatra

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has revealed the extent of forest and land fires (Karhutla) that continue to occur across various regions of Indonesia. Hotspots have been detected in several provinces across Sumatra and Kalimantan, extending to West Papua. Berton Panjaitan, Acting Head of the BNPB's Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center, stated that the situation in several critical areas is dire. He highlighted West Kalimantan as a particular concern due to its thick peatland fires, noting that air quality has reached dangerous levels, with visibility below 1 kilometer. In West Kalimantan, 61 hotspots have been identified, with a total burnt area of over 802 hectares. Of this, 432 hectares have been successfully extinguished. Central Kalimantan has recorded the highest number of hotspots, with 70 detected, covering an area of 225 hectares, of which 197 hectares have been extinguished. Air quality in this region is unhealthy, with visibility at only 2.5 kilometers. South Kalimantan has 56 hotspots and 305 hectares of burnt land, with 112 hectares extinguished. In this area, new technologies such as thermal drones are being used to detect underground fires and inject surfactants to keep peatlands moist. However, weather modification operations are not feasible due to the lack of rain-producing potential and cloud formations in the atmosphere. On Sumatra, Riau province has 30 hotspots and 172 hectares burnt, with 42 hectares extinguished. Jambi province has 20 hotspots and 47 hectares burnt, with 37 hectares extinguished. Air quality in Jambi is unhealthy, with visibility at 6 kilometers. South Sumatra has 26 hotspots and over 171 hectares burnt, with 56.8 hectares extinguished. Similar to other regions, weather modification operations are unlikely to proceed in the near future due to the absence of suitable cloud conditions. Beyond Sumatra and Kalimantan, West Papua has 18 hotspots and over 223 hectares burnt, with only 15 hectares extinguished. BNPB urges the public, especially in affected areas, to wear masks when outdoors and to avoid actions that could trigger fires, such as burning trash or carelessly discarding cigarette butts. Those engaged in outdoor activities like camping are advised to ensure campfires are completely extinguished before leaving. The agency also encourages local governments to strictly implement the Minister of Home Affairs Instruction (Inmendagri) No. 1 of 2026 concerning the Prevention and Control of Forest and Land Fires and the Prohibition of Land Clearing by Burning under High Fire Risk Conditions. Information Source: Detik