Hundreds of Hotspots Detected in Bangka Belitung

Hundreds of hotspots suspected of being forest and land fires (karhutla) have been detected by satellites across several regencies in the Bangka Belitung province.

Head of the Bangka Belitung Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Budi Utama, stated that BMKG satellite data recorded 138 hotspots.

“BMKG reports 138 hotspots spread across six regencies,” Budi said on Monday (1 June).

These include 32 each in Bangka and Central Bangka, 16 in West Bangka, 18 in South Bangka, five in Belitung, and three in East Belitung.

“Of the 138 hotspots, confidence levels range from 7 to 9, indicating a strong likelihood of forest and land fires,” he explained.

However, he added that authorities have instructed all regional officers to check locations and take action if fires are confirmed.

Amid the current hot weather, BPBD continues to urge the public not to clear land by burning or discarding lit cigarette butts carelessly.

“Stay vigilant and avoid actions that could cause forest fires, especially discarding cigarette butts with embers,” he urged.

So far, fires in several regencies of Bangka Belitung have been quickly contained, preventing widespread damage.

Meanwhile, Riau province has recorded 20 hotspots across six areas, with Siak district having the highest count of six. In Kotawaringin Timur, Central Kalimantan, the district is on high alert for forest fire risks as the dry season begins. BMKG warned of heightened forest fire potential in Riau and surrounding areas as the dry season peaks in early August.

The Ministry of Environment claims that hotspots in Riau, based on Sipongi satellite data as of 26 July 2025, are not in the high category.