Government on High Alert for Forest Fires in 6 Provinces, Deploys 43 Helicopters

The government is on high alert for forest and land fires (karhutla) in six provinces amid the threat of a strong El Niño. A total of 43 helicopters have been deployed to support firefighting operations.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago stated that the six provinces under close watch are Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan. “The ones we are wary of are those six provinces, namely Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan. And we have them under control as of now,” Djamari said at the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs in Central Jakarta on Monday (10/8/2026).

Djamari noted that the government is continuously monitoring conditions in the six provinces, as the current weather has the potential to cause fires to spread rapidly. The government is also deploying air power to support firefighting efforts. The Air Task Force has mobilised approximately 43 helicopters to date. “As a note, in the implementation of air operations by the Air Task Force, we have deployed around 43 helicopters as of today,” he said. In addition to helicopters, the government has prepared 10 to 15 fixed-wing aircraft as needed. Ground operations are also being carried out by deploying personnel and equipment.

Djamari stated that air operations are considered effective for handling forest and land fires, particularly through Weather Modification Operations (OMC) to generate artificial rain. However, OMC can only be conducted if rain clouds are present. “Air operations are actually very effective, producing artificial rain carried out by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). That is the most effective,” Djamari said. “But there is one condition we must face, which is that we must find rain clouds. As long as we cannot find those rain clouds, we will not be able to create artificial rain,” he continued. The government will continue to monitor weather changes. If rain clouds are detected, weather modification operations will be carried out immediately. Djamari mentioned that forecasts indicate there is potential for rain clouds on three or four days up until 18 August. “Hopefully, we expect that this week until the coming 18 August, we will find rain clouds so that we can use OMC,” he said.

Djamari confirmed that the budget for handling the impacts of a strong El Niño has been prepared. He stated that President Prabowo Subianto is ready to disburse any amount of funds to tackle forest and land fires. “I think the budget for that has been prepared by the government and is ready, in fact the budget is always ready. I always ask the Head of BNPB, how much is the budget? The President will disburse whatever amount is needed to overcome this,” Djamari said. However, Djamari noted that the government has not yet specifically prepared additional funds to face El Niño. The existing budget can be used according to needs on the ground.