BNPB Instructs Local Governments to Intensify Forest Fire Patrols and Map Water Sources
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has instructed all regional government levels and related ministries/agencies to tighten area patrols and map alternative water sources to anticipate the dual threat of drought and forest and land fires (karhutla).
Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Abdul Muhari, stated in Jakarta on Tuesday that preparedness must be enhanced as the dry season sets in across most of Indonesia, particularly on the islands of Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan.
Regarding forest and land fire emergencies, Abdul emphasised that the main mitigation focus is directed at a shared commitment with the community not to open or clear plantation land by burning.
Local authorities, such as the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Fire Service, and Manggala Agni, together with relevant local functional stakeholders, are also asked to prepare to mobilise firefighting infrastructure quickly so that any small-scale fire outbreaks can be immediately suppressed before spreading.
The BNPB Operations Control Centre considers this preparedness crucial, given that the accumulated burnt land since the beginning of the year up to 22 June 2026 in Riau Province has reached 15,220.34 hectares.
Meanwhile, other priority areas, such as Central Kalimantan, have recorded a forest and land fire area of 456.78 hectares, with additional hotspots covering 0.05 hectares in East Kotawaringin and 1.5 hectares in Sukamara.
As for South Sumatra Province, the total area of vegetation affected by fire since the start of the year up to 20 June 2026 stands at 305.39 hectares and is currently reported to be under control.
“For drought in Klaten Regency, Central Java, it remains an area requiring attention during June. A total of 1,986 families or 6,146 individuals are affected by a shortage of clean water. On 22 June 2026, the local government distributed nine clean water tanks with a total volume of 45,000 litres to 207 families or 716 individuals in Kemalang District,” he said.