Beware of forest fires, Environment Minister: In 2026, Indonesia will experience the lowest rainfall

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has warned that Indonesia will face a prolonged dry season lasting up to seven months, with the lowest rainfall in the past 30 years, a situation that could heighten the risk of forest and land fires (karhutla). Therefore, Minister Hanif has reminded all relevant agencies and stakeholders to continue mitigation and preparation efforts, from weather modification operations to focusing preparedness for karhutla in six provinces, namely Riau, Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Jambi, South Sumatra, and South Kalimantan. “In 2026, according to BMKG projections, we will experience a long dry period, peaking around August–September 2026, and only ending in November 2026. There will be seven months we must face (starting from April), with our rainfall levels at the lowest condition in 30 years,” said Environment Minister Hanif in Jakarta on Wednesday. “During this prolonged dry season, on the other hand, in the central Pacific Ocean, the dynamics of its surface temperature will rise, thus triggering El Niño. So, what was previously moderate to low scale will emerge, strongly drawing water from Indonesia and transferring it to America. Thus, in addition to the long dry season, our rainfall levels will be at the lowest condition in 30 years,” he stated. “These three factors will pose challenges that will not be easy for us to face together. On the other hand, Indonesia has extensive peatlands, as do Malaysia, parts of Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. So, this prolonged dry condition will cause water levels in peatlands to drop in those areas, thereby increasing the risk of forest and land fires (karhutla),” he said. Therefore, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLH) is preparing Weather Modification Operations (OMC) and water management in peatlands to address the El Niño phenomenon.