Forestry Minister: BMKG early warning boosts forest fire anticipation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has said that the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency’s (BMKG) early warning about the potential El Niño in 2026 has provided the Ministry of Forestry with the basis to strengthen anticipatory measures and the handling of forest and land fires (karhutla).
“BMKG informed us early on that El Niño conditions are predicted to arrive sooner. Therefore, we have undertaken various efforts, ranging from mitigation and prevention measures, improving preparedness, to technical handling and extinguishing of forest and land fires in the field,” said Raja Antoni during a working meeting with Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday.
The Forestry Minister said that based on BMKG monitoring, El Niño is currently at a very strong intensity with a Niño 3.4 index reaching +2.19. These conditions have the potential to reduce rainfall in Indonesia.
In addition, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is predicted to enter a positive phase in September-November 2026, which could further reduce rainfall in several regions.
Furthermore, BMKG is also supporting early seeding potential data as an analysis for the implementation of Weather Modification Operations (OMC).
“Thank you to BMKG for providing information and warnings about these climate conditions from the outset. For us, this information is very important to strengthen preparedness and take early anticipatory measures,” said Raja Antoni.
In line with this information, the Ministry of Forestry has undertaken various measures since February, ranging from cross-ministerial/institutional coordination meetings, a limited meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto, preparedness roll calls in fire-prone provinces, to strengthening the capacity of Manggala Agni and activating forest and land fire emergency alert posts in five provinces.
Forestry Minister Raja Antoni said the Ministry of Forestry continues to coordinate with BMKG to strengthen synergy in preventing forest and land fires, one of which is through Weather Modification Operations.
He said these efforts are part of cross-ministerial/institutional collaboration that integrates early weather detection, integrated patrols, and rapid and integrated fire handling.
“Forest and land fires are a serious problem that cannot be handled by one party alone. Therefore, we continue to strengthen synergy with BMKG and other ministries/institutions, so that early information can be immediately translated into concrete action in the field,” he said.