Forest and Land Fires Dominate Disasters in Majalengka, West Java

Dozens of disaster incidents struck the Majalengka Regency area, West Java, throughout August 2026. Among the various types of disasters, forest and land fires (karhutla) have been the most dominant.

According to data from the Majalengka Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), there were 33 disaster incidents recorded in August 2026. Of that total, 23 incidents were forest and land fires. The remainder consisted of two extreme weather events, five instances of drought, and five building fires.

A similar pattern was observed in July 2026. Out of 35 recorded disaster incidents, forest and land fires dominated with 30 cases, while the rest included four extreme weather events and one other disaster.

“Forest and land fires are indeed dominating disaster incidents during this dry season in July and August,” said Wawan Suryawan, First Expert Disaster Management Officer in the Emergency and Logistics Division at the Majalengka Regency BPBD, on Thursday (3/9/2026).

Wawan revealed that high, dry temperatures combined with strong winds mean that even small fires can trigger larger forest and land fires. Consequently, he has urged the public to play an active role in preventing such incidents.

“We, along with the TNI, Polri, Satpol PP, and sub-district governments, continue to conduct socialisation in villages, given that public awareness is still lacking,” said Wawan.

In addition to forest fires, several villages in Majalengka Regency are also experiencing drought and clean water shortages during this dry season. These include Heuleut and Cipaku Villages in Kadipaten District, Bantrangsana Village in Panyingkeran District, Surawangi Village in Jatiwangi District, and Girimukti Village in Kasokandel District.

To assist residents in these villages, the BPBD is collaborating with other relevant agencies to distribute clean water. These efforts are ongoing as the dry season continues.