Central Java Police on High Alert for Forest and Land Fires as Dry Season Peaks

As the peak of the dry season sets in, the Central Java Regional Police (Polda Jateng) are intensifying mitigation and public education efforts to anticipate forest and land fires (karhutla). The move follows an increased potential for fires due to hotter, drier weather accompanied by winds that accelerate the spread of flames in several areas. Based on an evaluation by Polda Jateng during the period of 1 to 11 July 2026, 16 land fire incidents were recorded across various regions in Central Java. The majority of incidents occurred between 09:00 and 16:00 WIB, when air temperatures peak. In addition to causing material losses amounting to hundreds of millions of rupiah, the land fires also claimed one life in Batang Regency, allegedly triggered by land clearing activities using fire. In response to these conditions, Polda Jateng has prepared a number of mitigation measures to reduce the risk of forest and land fires. These include optimising the role of Bhabinkamtibmas officers to educate farmer groups, forest area managers, and communities in fire-prone areas, as well as increasing patrols in plantation areas, vacant land, and forests, especially during peak hours. The police are also strengthening coordination with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Fire Department, Perhutani, and local governments to accelerate early detection and response when hotspots are found. Furthermore, Polda Jateng has placed personnel and supporting firefighting equipment on standby, including Water Cannon vehicles for emergency fire suppression in specific locations, and is optimising technology-based hotspot monitoring to speed up field responses. These efforts are accompanied by law enforcement against any fire incidents proven to be caused by intentional acts or negligence. Polda Jateng Head of Public Relations, Commissioner Pol Artanto, stated that prevention is the most effective measure to suppress forest and land fires. He noted that the increased risk of fires during the dry season requires the awareness of all levels of society. “Entering the peak of the dry season, the public needs to be more vigilant. Dry land conditions make fire spread very easily, so prevention is the most effective step to avoid fires,” he said. He urged the public not to clear land by burning, a practice still considered one of the causes of hotspots that can develop into larger-scale fires. “Do not open or clear land by burning. A small fire can quickly grow due to wind and threaten agricultural land, forest areas, and even residential areas,” he stressed. He also reminded the public not to burn rubbish carelessly, discard cigarette butts in areas full of dry grass or vegetation, and to be more careful when conducting activities involving fire in open spaces. “Many fires start from negligence that is considered trivial. Therefore, let us be wiser in using fire, especially during hot and dry weather like now,” he explained. Artanto further urged the public to immediately report to the police, fire department, or local government if they spot a hotspot or activities that could potentially trigger a fire. He said that a quick report would speed up the response so that fires can be prevented from spreading. “Forest and land fires not only impact the environment but also threaten lives, public health, and the economy. Prevention requires collective awareness. If you see a hotspot, report it immediately to the authorities so it can be dealt with quickly before causing greater losses,” he concluded.