Experts: El Nino Not Fire Starter, Human Activity Remains Key Cause of Indonesian Blazes

Indonesian experts are emphasizing that the El Nino phenomenon is not the root cause of the country's forest and land fires. Instead, human activities, particularly land clearing using the slash-and-burn method, are identified as the primary instigators.

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Indonesia is facing a combination of active dry seasons, a very strong El Nino, and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole tendency.

Weather Modification Technology (TMC) expert Asep Karsidi explained that while the dry season, intensified by El Nino and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, creates conditions ripe for fires, it does not start them. "Climate is not the initial source of the fire, but it becomes a strengthening factor that makes fire easier to emerge, spread, and difficult to control," Asep stated. He noted that 76.5% of Indonesia's monsoon zones have entered the dry season, with low rainfall dominating 90.79% of the territory.

Fire expert Raffles B Panjaitan echoed this sentiment, asserting that El Nino cannot be blamed for igniting fires. He stressed that every fire requires a trigger, and prevention efforts should target human actions in fire-prone areas. Panjaitan highlighted that most fires are linked to human activities, ranging from intentional land clearing to negligence and uncontrolled burning.

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Climate is not the initial source of the fire, but it becomes a strengthening factor that makes fire easier to emerge, spread, and difficult to control.

Consequently, authorities in regions like South Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, and Kalimantan are urged to enhance vigilance through hot spot monitoring, patrols, and firefighting preparedness. The experts agree that effective prevention requires addressing public behavior alongside technological monitoring and suppression equipment.

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El Nino does not ignite the fire. Fire still needs a trigger.