Manggala Agni Encounters Sumatran Tiger While Extinguishing Forest Fire in Riau

The Ministry of Forestry has deployed the Manggala Agni forest fire control brigade to combat forest and land fires across several regions of Riau and the Riau Islands, including areas that constitute habitat for the critically endangered Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica).

Ferdian Krisnanto, head of the Forestry Ministry’s Sumatra Regional Forest Fire Control Centre (Dalkarhut), confirmed on Wednesday from Jakarta that the Manggala Agni brigade has been deployed to suppress karhutla fires in Riau and the Riau Islands provinces. During operations, the brigade encountered a Sumatran tiger near an active fire suppression site.

“The current challenge is that many of our team members are observing the Ramadan fast, so we must ensure they remain fit and safe whilst working. Apart from the extremely hot weather conditions, there are also security concerns. Last night, near a fire suppression location on Pulau Muda in Pelalawan, one Sumatran tiger was spotted. This certainly requires heightened vigilance from all personnel to ensure safety during operations. Occupational safety procedures must be carried out with strict discipline,” Krisnanto stated.

As of Tuesday, March 10th, Manggala Agni and partner agencies have been working to prevent fires from spreading. Suppression efforts are being conducted in coordinated manner across multiple sites in Kampar Regency, Bengkalis Regency, Indragiri Hilir Regency, Pelalawan Regency, and Batam City.

In Kampar Regency, fires are currently occurring in Rimbo Panjang Village in Tambang District. In Bengkalis Regency, fires have re-emerged in Sukarjo Mesim Village and Teluk Lecah Village in Rupat District, as well as Tanjung Leban Village in Bandar Laksamana District.

According to satellite imagery analysis by the Forestry Ministry, forest fire coverage in Riau during the January-February 2026 period totalled 4,400 hectares, with 94 per cent occurring on peatland. Pelalawan and Bengkalis regencies have been identified as the two areas with the largest affected areas. In the Riau Islands, fire damage covers 1,162.52 hectares.

“Pelalawan and Bengkalis regencies are currently our focus for suppression and prevention efforts. All teams in the field continue to work intensively to control the situation and prevent potential expansion of the fires,” Krisnanto added.