Government Increases Vigilance Against Potential Forest and Land Fires (Karhutla) in 2026
The government is increasing vigilance against the potential for forest and land fires (karhutla) in 2026, in line with predictions of a dry season arriving earlier and lasting longer than in previous years.
“This year will see drought starting earlier and lasting longer, making the karhutla potential in 2026 more threatening than last year,” stated Forestry Minister Raja Antoni on Tuesday (7/4).
He urged the public and businesses to heighten alertness, particularly in land-clearing activities that risk sparking fires. According to data from the Ministry of Forestry, the area affected by karhutla from January to February 2026 reached 32,637.43 hectares.
Meanwhile, in March 2026, it is estimated to increase by 10,175.48 hectares, with the most impacted regions in Riau, West Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan. Separately, Head of BMKG Teuku Faisal Fathani noted that this year’s dry season is predicted to be drier with below-normal rainfall. He also revealed that the potential for the El Niño phenomenon is at a weak to moderate level and could develop in the second semester of 2026.
“BMKG records that by the end of March 2026, around 7 percent of Indonesia’s seasonal zones have entered the dry season, and this figure will increase significantly from April to June,” Faisal explained.
To anticipate karhutla, BNPB has prepared 16 water bombing helicopters and 12 patrol helicopters, which can be added according to the escalation of fires.
Hotspot monitoring data shows a significant upward trend. Up to 5 April 2026, 702 hotspots were recorded, a sharp rise compared to the same period in 2025, which had 125 points.
Mitigation efforts are also being carried out through Weather Modification Operations (OMC), particularly in Riau with a total of 24 salt seeding sessions. In addition, the government is strengthening aerial patrols, firefighting, and field verification of hotspots.
From the law enforcement side, the government has imposed administrative sanctions on 12 holders of Forest Utilisation Business Permits (PBPH) in several provinces, including Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra.
The government emphasises that controlling karhutla requires synergy across ministries, apparatus, local governments, and communities, in accordance with Presidential Instruction Number 3 of 2020. The steps taken include accelerating firefighting, strengthening air and ground operations, and increasing public awareness through socialisation and training.