BNPB Reveals Forest Fires in Sumatra Relatively Decreasing, but Hotspots Increase in South Sumatra

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has provided the latest updates regarding forest and land fires (karhutla) occurring across Indonesia.

Berton SP Panjaitan, Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, explained that hotspots in the Sumatra province are relatively decreasing. He noted that hotspots in Riau province have dropped by 202, leaving only 62 points. Meanwhile, fire points in Riau have decreased to 12, with visibility at 5 km.

However, there has been an increase in hotspots in the South Sumatra (Sumsel) region by 209, reaching a total of 1,013 points. The reduction in fire points in South Sumatra has also decreased to 11 points, with visibility of less than 5 km.

“In the provinces of Riau, South Sumatra, and Jambi, fire points are relatively decreasing. However, hotspots have increased in South Sumatra by 209, reaching 1,013 points,” Berton stated during a press conference on Monday, 31 August 2026.

Meanwhile, hotspots in Jambi Province experienced a decrease of 86, down to 49 points. Fire points in Jambi have been reduced to only 4 areas, with visibility at approximately 7 km.

“In both Riau and Jambi, hotspots have decreased significantly. Visibility varies between 4 to 5 km in Riau and South Sumatra, while visibility in Jambi is around 7 km,” he added.

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto issued a stern warning against parties intentionally burning forests and land in Riau Province. Beyond those operating on the ground, Prabowo emphasised that corporations proven to have ordered land burning face the threat of losing all their business licences.

This statement was delivered by Prabowo during a dialogue with the Head of the Riau Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), M. Edy Afrizal, during an inspection of forest and land fire management on Monday, 24 August 2026. The dialogue was broadcast via the President’s Secretariat YouTube channel.

Edy reported that there were still 306 hotspots in Riau, primarily located in the southern region, while the northern area remains relatively safe.

Prabowo subsequently escalated his warning against corporations suspected of involvement in land-burning practices. He requested that the police, prosecutors, and intelligence agencies conduct investigations if any indications are found that companies have ordered such burning.