Dedi Mulyadi Warns Against Smoking in Forests to Prevent Land Fires

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has reminded the public not to smoke in forests in order to prevent forest and land fires. During this dry season, he also asked the public not to carry out any burning activities.

“Yes, everyone must be careful. Do not go into the forest carrying cigarettes, because that has quite broad implications,” he said on Monday (10/8/2026).

He stressed that during the dry season the public should not burn anything, so as not to create the potential for fires.

“The point is this: during this dry season, do not play with fire,” he said.

Previously, the West Java Provincial Regional Disaster Management Agency reported that 15 regencies and cities in West Java have been affected by drought. In detail, 89 sub-districts across those 15 regencies and cities are experiencing drought.

“The areas affected by drought number 89 sub-districts in 15 regencies and cities in West Java,” said Hadi Rahmat, Public Relations Expert at the West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency, when confirmed on Tuesday (28/7/2026).

Of the 15 regencies and cities affected by drought, he said Bogor Regency was the most affected, with 24 sub-districts experiencing drought. This was followed by Tasikmalaya Regency with 12 sub-districts and Bekasi Regency with 9 sub-districts.

Meanwhile, the number of affected residents reached 61,505 households or 205,567 people. Given the drought conditions, his agency continues to distribute clean water to the affected areas.

“Four million litres of clean water have been distributed to the 15 regencies and cities,” he said.