Jakarta – The government continues to increase national awareness of the potential for forest and land fires (karhutla) which are increasingly evident with the surge in hotspots in various regions of Indonesia. Collective support and awareness of the community are the main keys in facing this threat, which not only impacts the environment, but also the health, economy, and survival of future generations.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) actively remind the community and local governments not to be careless in facing the dry season and the potential for forest and land fires that accompany it. Several regions, such as Riau, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Jambi, West Kalimantan, East Nusa Tenggara, and Aceh are recorded as experiencing high temperatures, dry weather, and the emergence of hotspots in significant numbers.
Aceh is recorded as one of the areas with the highest risk level, and the government has prepared early mitigation steps in this region. Based on satellite monitoring, BMKG recorded 117 hotspots spread across 11 districts/cities.
“Aceh Province has entered the dry season with its peak estimated to occur in June to July. The public needs to be aware of the potential for land fires and not to clear land by burning,” said BMKG Forecaster at Sultan Iskandar Muda Meteorology Station, Nabila.
She also emphasized that extreme weather conditions can still occur in the dry season due to high heating during the day.
“These weather conditions can be accompanied by strong winds, floods, and landslides. We urge the public to be vigilant when doing outdoor activities, especially when driving in bad weather conditions,” she added.
Meanwhile, BNPB emphasized the importance of comprehensive preparedness, especially in vulnerable areas. Head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said,
“The public in areas prone to forest and land fires also need to be aware of hot temperatures and dry weather that have the potential to trigger forest and land fires.”
He added that local governments must continue to conduct integrated patrols, early extinguishing, and provision of disaster logistics.
“Local governments are expected to increase their preparedness to face potential hydrometeorological disasters, both wet and dry,” he said.
In facing the threat of forest and land fires, joint efforts are absolutely necessary. Awareness not to burn land, report hotspots as soon as possible, and follow official information from BMKG and BNPB must become a shared habit.
Community support is the main foundation for successful mitigation. Forest and land fires are a shared responsibility, where the government has taken firm steps, and the community plays a role in complementing it. One quick and precise action today can save thousands of hectares of forest and thousands of lives tomorrow.
Let’s unite, be aware of hotspots, and make safety a top priority. The government works, the community moves, Indonesia is ready to face forest and land fires.
