Indonesia Ramps Up Fire Prevention Ahead of El Nino Dry Season

Indonesia is intensifying its efforts to combat forest and land fires, a recurring challenge amplified by the anticipated El Nino phenomenon. A special coordination meeting, themed "Synergy for the Nation in Facing El Nino 2026 and 2027," brought together various ministries and agencies in Jakarta.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago stressed that controlling these fires is crucial for national resilience, the economy, and diplomatic relations. He highlighted the importance of proactive prevention and rapid response, stating, "The success of controlling forest and land fires relies on preparedness and preventive measures before fires escalate, not just extinguishing them when they have already spread widely."

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The success of controlling forest and land fires relies on preparedness and preventive measures before fires escalate, not just extinguishing them when they have already spread widely.

The focus is on six provinces with extensive peat ecosystems: Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan. Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni warned of the cyclical nature of these fires, noting that this year's dry season is expected to arrive earlier, be drier, and last longer due to El Nino. He urged concession holders to take direct responsibility for fire prevention and monitoring.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts the dry season will peak between July and September. In response, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and provincial governments are preparing to mobilize personnel, activate field posts, and declare emergency alert status in priority areas. Concrete operational steps include activating a coordination desk, integrating early warning systems, patrols, weather modification operations, ground and air suppression, and layered law enforcement against individuals and corporations found in violation.

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Historical trends show we face the challenge of recurring fire cycles that require extra vigilance. This year's dry season is coming earlier and the challenges are real, so we must not be negligent. I also ask for full commitment from all forestry concession permit holders to be directly responsible for prevention and monitoring of hotspots in their work areas.