Riau Forest Fires Burn Over 15,000 Hectares in First Half of 2026

Riau province in Indonesia is grappling with extensive forest and land fires, with over 15,000 hectares scorched between January and June 2026. The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has designated Riau as a national priority for fire control efforts.

Abdul Muhari, head of BNPB's disaster data and communication center, stated that the total burnt area reached 15,031.58 hectares as of June 1. This figure underscores the severity of the situation, with fires occurring in various regencies across Riau.

Recent incidents include fires consuming five hectares in Bukit Lumut, Rokan Hulu Regency, and 44.4 hectares in Rokan Hilir Regency. Another one-hectare fire was reported in Siak Regency.

As the region transitions from the rainy to the dry season, the BNPB is intensifying public awareness campaigns. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned of a potential weak to moderate El Nino phenomenon in the second half of 2026, which could exacerbate drought and fire risks across Indonesia.

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Riau Province, one of the priority provinces for forest and land fires, reported as of Monday (June 1) that the total area burned since January 1 to June 1, 2026, reached 15,031.58 hectares.