Indonesian Fires Consume Nearly 49,000 Hectares in Priority Provinces

Indonesia is grappling with widespread land and forest fires, which have scorched nearly 49,000 hectares across six priority provinces between January 1 and August 9, 2026. Data from the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs reveals the extent of the damage, with the total area affected by fires nationwide reaching approximately 107,000 hectares.

West Kalimantan has recorded the most severe impact, with fires consuming an estimated 28,680.47 hectares. Riau province follows with 15,551.76 hectares burned. South Sumatra (Sumsel) has seen 664.87 hectares affected, while Jambi has reported around 540 hectares impacted during the same period. Firefighting efforts are ongoing, with personnel from Manggala Agni Sumatera XVI-Lahat seen battling blazes in Karya Jaya, Palembang, South Sumatra.

In response to the escalating situation, the city of Palangka Raya in Central Kalimantan has declared an emergency status for drought and fire management, effective from August 11 to September 8, 2026. This measure was implemented due to the widespread fires and difficulties in accessing water sources for suppression efforts. Helicopters are being deployed for water bombing operations, as seen in Petuk Katimpun, Palangka Raya.

Authorities are intensifying both suppression and prevention measures to curb the expansion of affected areas. The government is committed to these efforts to mitigate the impact of the recurring dry-season fires, which pose significant environmental and health risks.