Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs requests 12 fire-prone areas in South Sumatra be prioritised

Palembang (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam) Djamari Chaniago has requested that the 12 districts in South Sumatra (Sumsel) categorised as vulnerable to forest and land fires (karhutla) be made a priority for handling. “Based on mapping by the National Disaster Management Agency, there are 12 districts vulnerable to karhutla in 2026. These areas must be prioritised for patrols, prevention, and the deployment of resources and equipment,” Djamari said during the 2026 karhutla readiness roll call in Palembang on Wednesday. He explained that the areas include Ogan Ilir, Banyuasin, Musi Banyuasin, Muara Enim, Lahat, East OKU, Musi Rawas, Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI), North Musi Rawas (Muratara), OKU, OKI, and South OKU. These districts not only have peatlands that are easily ignited but also dry mineral soils and plantation areas that are susceptible to fires during the dry season. “Ensure that all regional apparatus understand their duties, readiness posts are operational, equipment is available, and water sources are mapped so that extinguishing can be carried out quickly,” he clarified. In addition, he reminded the 19 governors attending the readiness roll call virtually to strengthen karhutla control in their respective regions, given that karhutla handling is a national agenda requiring simultaneous preparedness. “If land clearing by burning is found, report it immediately. Do not tolerate it, because one fire point can develop into a large fire, especially during the dry season,” he stated. Djamari also called on the business community, including holders of forestry, plantation, and mining concessions, to actively participate in karhutla prevention efforts in their respective work areas. Based on data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, most of Indonesia will enter the dry season from April to June 2026. For South Sumatra, the dry season is predicted to start earlier, from early May, peaking in August 2026. “This means there is still time to prepare for the dry season peak, but we must act earlier,” he said.