BNPB: Emergency Response for Drought and Forest Fires in Sidrap Extended until November

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has stated that the emergency status for drought and forest and land fires (karhutla) in Sidenreng Rappang Regency (Sidrap), South Sulawesi, remains active until 1 November 2026.

Speaking in Jakarta on Tuesday, the Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, noted that the emergency status serves as a legal umbrella to optimise the handling of forest and land fires currently affecting the area.

“The forest and land fires are being managed within the extension period of the emergency status for drought and forest/land fires in Sidenleg Reng Rappang Regency. This status was established through the Sidenreng Rappang Regent’s Decree Number 247/IX/2026, which is valid until 1 November 2026,” he said.

Berton explained that the most recent forest fire incident in Sidrap Regency occurred on Monday (5/10) at approximately 11:00 WITA, consuming 1.47 hectares of land.

“The cause of the fire is still under investigation. There have been no reports of casualties in this incident,” he added.

Firefighting efforts were carried out swiftly by a joint team consisting of officers from the Fire Department, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Rapid Response Team, and local residents. The fire was successfully extinguished by Monday afternoon.

In this regard, the BNPB urged the Sidrap Regency Government and the community to maintain full preparedness during the emergency response period to prevent the emergence of new hotspots caused by the dry weather conditions during this dry season.