Indonesia is battling widespread forest and land fires as the country enters the dry season, with significant blazes reported across Bali, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Central Java, and Aceh. According to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), 60 percent of the archipelago has already entered the dry season, which is expected to reach its peak between July and September, with below-average rainfall predicted across more than 80 percent of the archipelago.
Wildfire Activity in Buleleng and Central Kalimantan
The largest active wildfire is currently in Buleleng regency, Bali, where 48 hectares of dry grassland and protected forest were scorched in the hills of Pemuteran village. Gede Suyasa, head of the Buleleng Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), stated that the fire, which began last Friday, was brought under control by Sunday. Firefighters were forced to rely on manual suppression methods due to the steep, rugged terrain that prevented heavy equipment access.
In Central Kalimantan, a fire has been burning for 17 days in Eka Bahurui village, Kotawaringin Timur regency. Acting head of the local BPBD, Multazam, reported that the fire continues to smolder beneath peat soil. Because water sources are scarce, authorities have shifted their strategy from total extinguishment to cutting off the fire’s path to prevent it from reaching local farms and nearby villages, including Pembuang Makmur and Poros.
Did You Know?
The fire in Kotawaringin Timur has been burning for 17 days, with officials struggling to extinguish underground hot spots smoldering beneath peatland.
Regional Impact and Visibility Concerns
Haze from ongoing fires has significantly impacted daily life in South Kalimantan. In Banjarbaru, smoke has reduced visibility for motorists to as little as 20 meters. Commuter Ansar reported that the conditions have forced drivers to slow down significantly to maintain road safety. Meanwhile, smaller fires were reported and contained in Central Java, South Kalimantan, and Central Aceh, where quick responses prevented further spread.
Preparedness and Future Risks
The BMKG has warned that over 80 percent of Indonesia faces below-average rainfall during the peak of the dry season, heightening the risk of prolonged drought. Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), has urged regional governments to intensify patrols and improve early detection of hot spots. Authorities have also issued a public appeal for residents to avoid land-clearing by burning and to report any signs of fire immediately to ensure a rapid response.
Frequently Asked Questions
[What is the primary cause of the current wildfire risk?]
According to the BMKG, the country is in the dry season with below-average rainfall, a situation worsened by the influence of El Niño.
[Why are the fires in Kotawaringin Timur difficult to extinguish?]
The fires are burning beneath peat soil, and the lack of nearby water sources has hindered firefighting efforts, forcing crews to focus on containment.
[What steps are authorities taking to prevent further fires?]
The BNPB has urged regional governments to increase integrated patrols and improve early detection, while also asking citizens to stop using fire for land clearing.
How will the predicted peak of the dry season between July and September affect current firefighting strategies?
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