The threat of forest and land fires in 2026 is regarded as far more\nserious than in previous years. IPB University forestry expert Bambang\nHero Saharjo warned that the fire pattern this year could resemble the\n1997\u20131998 tragedy, which burned 10\u201311 million hectares, and could\ncontinue into 2027. \u2018It is plausible that the fires in 2026 will be\nsimilar to the 1997\/1998 fire events. The fires began in 1997 and then\ncontinued into 1998. This is what is feared will occur, where the fires\nwill begin in mid-2026 and then continue into 2027,\u2019 Bambang said on\nThursday (21 May).<\/p>\n
The concern is based on signals of a Super El Ni\u00f1o in 2026, marked by\nan increase in surface sea temperature in the tropical Pacific by at\nleast 2 degrees Celsius above the average. The strongest El Ni\u00f1o on\nrecord occurred in 1997\u20131998, with Ni\u00f1o 3.4 region temperatures about\n2.7\u00b0C above average, and in 2015\u20132016 with about a 2\u00b0C rise.<\/p>\n
Bambang reminded that 2026\u2019s forest and land fires had in fact begun\ntwo months earlier, but were often ignored until the flames and smoke\ngrew extensive. \u2018We sometimes neglect and do not take seriously the\npotential fires as predicted earlier, and only realise when fires and\nsmoke are widespread, while infrastructure has already worn out from\nfrequent use and maintenance and provision of new equipment are\nconstrained by budget efficiency,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n
Referring to the study by Aoyun Xue et al., published in Nature\nCommunications 2025, Bambang stressed that early warnings and proactive\nsteps are crucial to suppress the rising risk. Priority areas that must\nbe prepared immediately include Sumatra, Kalimantan, Nusa Tenggara, and\nseveral other provinces entering the dry season soon.<\/p>\n
He urged the public to monitor information from BMKG and related\nministries via mobile phones, and to wear masks and limit outdoor\nactivities when smoke production increases (H-2).<\/p>\n
A complete guide to the illnesses increasing in children during the\ndry season, from ISPA to dengue fever, and effective prevention tips for\nparents.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s dry season is forecast to begin in May\u2019s second dekad,\nwith rainfall below normal or drier than usual.<\/p>\n
The IKN Authority has drafted a strategy for controlling forest and\nland fires, covering prevention, preparedness and early detection,\nfirefighting, and post-fire management.<\/p>\n
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) projects\nthat rainfall with significant intensity is still likely in several\nparts of Indonesia during 12\u201318 May 2026. The El Ni\u00f1o phenomenon is\nexpected to reduce rainfall from June to August.<\/p>\n
IDAI warns that the Godzilla El Ni\u00f1o could increase stunting risk by\nup to 25% due to food shortages and poor sanitation.<\/p>\n
One measure already underway and showing positive impact is the\noperation of Waduk Teritip as an additional source of raw water.<\/p>\n
BPBD Banyumas has prepared three water-tank trucks and one\nmultipurpose truck to support distribution of clean water to communities\nif needs rise. The head of Banyumas BPBD, Dwi Irawan Sukma, said they\nhave mapped drought-prone areas based on data from previous years.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ipb-expert-warns-forest-and-land-fires-in-2026-could-extend-into-2027-1779542499", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }