Forest and Land Fire Potential Increases in Bantul and Kulonprogo, Vigilance Heightened
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts the peak of the dry season in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) will occur in August 2026. The public is urged to remain vigilant against the potential for forest and land fires (karhutla).
Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre, Abdul Muhari, stated that the BNPB is urging local governments and the public to increase their awareness of hydrometeorological disasters during the dry season, particularly karhutla. ‘Local governments are expected to continue strengthening preparedness, monitoring, and early detection of potential karhutla and ensure the availability of firefighting infrastructure,’ he said in a press release on Monday (27/7). The public is also advised not to conduct any burning activities in fire-prone areas. Should anyone witness a fire, they are urged to immediately report it to local authorities for swift handling.
In DIY, karhutla incidents have been frequently recorded in Bantul Regency. Two recent fires occurred in Bukit Putat, Selopamioro Village, and Wukirsari Village on Sunday (26/7), burning approximately five hectares and three hectares of land respectively. Head of the Fire and Rescue Division at the Bantul Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Kristanto Kurniawan, urged the public to be more vigilant, noting that eight karhutla incidents were recorded in June 2026, and 17 incidents had already occurred by 22 July.
Meanwhile, two karhutla incidents were also reported in Pengasih District, Kulonprogo Regency, on Saturday and Sunday (25/7), burning around one hectare of land. ‘We urge everyone to be more cautious and not to burn rubbish carelessly to avoid fires,’ said the Chief Executive of the Kulonprogo BPBD, Setiawan Tri Widada. To tackle the threat of karhutla this year, the BNPB has prepared a total of 28 helicopters, consisting of 12 patrol helicopters and 16 water bombing helicopters.