Malang BPBD Enacts 108-Day Drought and Forest Fire Emergency Alert

Malang, East Java (ANTARA) — The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Malang Regency, East Java, has enacted an emergency standby status for drought as well as forest and land fires (karhutla) during the 2026 dry season.

“Yes, the emergency standby for drought and forest fires has been enacted,” said Sadono Irawan, Head of Emergency and Logistics at BPBD Malang Regency, in Malang on Monday.

According to the local BPBD, the disaster emergency standby status applies from 15 June 2026 until 30 September 2026, or 108 days.

He said the determination of the emergency standby status was based on information from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and the East Java Provincial Government.

Drought disasters are among other things potentially set to occur in 10 hamlets across five districts, namely in Sumbermanjingwetan District, three hamlets across two villages in Pagak District, three hamlets across three villages in Gedangan District, 12 hamlets across three villages in Kalipare District, and three hamlets in one village in Bantur District.

As for forest and land fire incidents during the dry season, he said, all mountainous areas within Malang Regency are potentially at risk.

Sadono stated that the response pattern for all impacts of the dry season has been coordinated with all stakeholders in the Malang Regency area.

Steps being taken include preparing alternative policies to meet residents’ water needs through boreholes and distribution management, contingency plan simulations and the drafting of operation plans, as well as preparing logistics and equipment for priority areas affected by drought and forest fires.

In addition, the agency is stepping up law enforcement against perpetrators of forest and land burning, activating forest fire posts, and developing communication and information systems reaching vulnerable locations.