Sumatra Faces Thousands of Hotspots in Concession Areas Amid El Nino Threat

The escalating number of forest and land fires across Sumatra, particularly within concession areas, presents a grave concern for the region and the nation. Data from Pantau Gambut reveals thousands of hotspots since the start of 2026, with Riau province bearing the brunt of this environmental crisis. This situation is exacerbated by the looming threat of El Nino, a phenomenon that has historically intensified dry conditions and increased fire risks.

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Titik api juga ditemukan di areal izin korporasi di pulau-pulau kecil seperti Pulau Rupat, Bengkalis, dan Mendol

What is particularly alarming is the concentration of these hotspots within the concessions of palm oil and timber companies. This suggests that the fires are not merely natural occurrences but are linked to land management practices within these corporate zones. Walhi Riau's findings of numerous hotspots in palm oil and timber concession areas, and even on small islands, point towards a systemic issue that requires urgent attention from both provincial and national authorities.

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Selain faktor cuaca yaitu Godzilla El Nino, ya kegagalan tata kelola kita yang berada di Provinsi Riau sendiri.

The recurring nature of these fires, with similar patterns observed in 2015, 2019, and 2023, underscores a failure in governance and long-term environmental management. The dissolution of the Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency last year is cited as a factor contributing to the suboptimal recovery of these vital ecosystems. This points to a need for a serious re-evaluation of policies and the effectiveness of institutions tasked with protecting our natural resources.

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Jadi pemulihan gambut dan mangrove di Riau sejauh ini kami lihat belum serius penanganannya

From our perspective at Tempo, the situation in Sumatra demands more than just reactive measures. It requires a fundamental shift in how we approach land use, corporate accountability, and environmental governance. The recurring fires are a stark reminder that the protection of peatland ecosystems is not just an environmental issue but a matter of public health and safety, as evidenced by the potential for a smoke crisis in areas like South Sumatra. We urge a thorough evaluation of all permits in peatland areas and a renewed commitment to sustainable practices to prevent future devastation.

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Dan kami berharap ini juga sejalan untuk mengevaluasi seluruh perizinan di Provinsi Riau khususnya di wilayah gambut.