Accelerating Forest and Land Fire Handling in Kalimantan and Sumatra

Not only are cities with hotspots affected, but the effects of forest and land fires (Karhutla) have now spread to other regions. The impact experienced by neighbouring areas is thick smoke blanketing the air. In Sumatra, Jambi and Pekanbaru are the two cities most affected by forest fires in the southern part of Sumatra.

On Monday (24/8), President Prabowo will inspect a number of points that are centres of forest and land fires in the Sumatra region. Prabowo’s arrival is part of a series of visits to several areas that are sources of fire.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said that the government continues to monitor the increase in the number of hotspots in several areas in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The information is collected from data belonging to the Ministry of Forestry.

“Based on SiPongi data from the Ministry of Forestry, there are 2,894 hotspots in 10 provinces in Sumatra, with the highest concentration in South Sumatra at 1,410 points, Riau 480 points, and Jambi 425 points. The area of burned land in 10 Sumatra provinces in 2026 was recorded at 36,047.64 hectares,” said Prasetyo.

Previously, Prasetyo also answered questions regarding fire smoke that has also spread to neighbouring countries. Regarding this matter, Prasetyo said that his party has established informal communication with Singapore and Malaysia.

“Informally, yes. Informally, as neighbouring countries, of course through the Foreign Minister there is communication,” said Prasetyo.