Environment Minister Prepares Artificial Rain to Prevent Forest Fires in Pelalawan

Environment Minister Muhammad Jumhur Hidayat visited the construction of canal blocks on Mendol Island, Kuala Kampar District, Pelalawan Regency, Riau. Jumhur stated that his ministry is coordinating intensively with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to prepare artificial rain operations in several fire-prone areas. “The fact is, if peatlands are not continuously flooded and are constantly exposed to sunlight, they have the potential to heat up and catch fire,” Jumhur said in Sungai Perak Village, Kuala Kampar, Riau, on Thursday (18/6/2026). Jumhur explained that canal blocks are being built at critical fire points. These blocks function as dams to restrict water flow, causing it to overflow and saturate the surrounding area. “After this, we will carry out artificial rain. We have been coordinating intensively with the Head of BNPB so that once these canal blocks are properly built and the water is well dammed, we will find the right time to induce rain so the water can be collected,” he said. According to Jumhur, this step is being taken in preparation for the El Niño phenomenon, which is predicted to last for an extended period. Jumhur hopes that with sufficient water reserves in the canals, the peatlands will remain wet even when the dry season arrives. “Hopefully, over the next three to four months while the El Niño persists, there will be no more fires from this area. We want to work as usual, without generating greenhouse gas emissions, and without disturbing the public or neighbouring countries,” he stated. Apart from Kuala Kampar in Riau, similar mitigation efforts will be carried out in other vulnerable areas, such as Kubu Raya in West Kalimantan and regions in South Sumatra. “We also plan to go to Kubu Raya in Kalimantan, where hotspots frequently occur, and to South Sumatra. So, we will conduct the same mitigation efforts with artificial rain and canal blocking construction in several locations,” Jumhur added. During the visit, Minister Jumhur was accompanied by Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan, BNPB Deputy for Emergency Management Major General Budi Irawan, and Pelalawan Regent Zukri.