317 Hotspots in 3 Months, Bintan Declares Emergency Status
The Bintan Regency Government (Pemkab Bintan) has declared an emergency response status for forest and land fires (karhutla) and drought in 2026. This status will be in effect for the next 14 days to expedite handling on the ground.
The declaration follows a significant increase in the number of hotspots since the beginning of the year. Data records show that from January to March 2026, there were 317 hotspots, with a total burnt area of 251 hectares.
Bintan Regent Roby Kurniawan stated that this decision was taken based on the actual conditions on the ground, which indicate a rising trend in fires in recent times. “Based on the data and the situation on the ground, we have declared an emergency response status for karhutla and drought in Bintan,” he said on Thursday (26/3).
He revealed that the four sub-districts with the highest number of hotspots are East Bintan (81 hotspots), Toapaya (68 hotspots), Gunung Kijang (64 hotspots), and North Bintan (60 hotspots).
According to him, the potential for fires remains high given the unpredictable weather conditions and the characteristics of Bintan’s region, which is dominated by peatlands, compounded by the impact of climate change. “The risk in Bintan is quite high due to the extensive peatlands and the influence of climate change,” he said.
In addition to focusing on handling the issue, the local government is also emphasising the importance of preventive measures. Roby assessed that there are indications of intentional elements in several recent fire cases.
He called on the public not to hesitate to report if they witness land burning activities. “Report immediately if you see any burning. This is our collective responsibility,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, drought is occurring in almost all areas of Bintan. PDAM Tirta Kepri reported that reservoir conditions have shrunk due to low rainfall.
To address this, PDAM is continuously opening water lines to increase the supply of raw water for the Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM).
Through this emergency response status declaration, Pemkab Bintan, together with relevant agencies, will maximise strategic steps in handling karhutla and the impacts of drought.