National Forest Fire Hotspots Decrease from 1,988 to 948, Central Kalimantan Remains Highest

The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) has revealed a decrease in the number of hotspots prone to forest and land fires (karhutla). The Ministry stated that while there were previously 1,98lar8 hotspots, the figure has now fallen to 948.

The Ministry initially reported that 1,988 hotspots were detected on Sunday (20/9). Of that figure, 78 per cent were detected in six priority provinces: West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra.

“In total, the highest number of hotspots occurred on Sunday, 20 September 2026. Nationally, there were 1,988 hotspots with a high confidence level. Of those 1,988, 1,843 were located within the six priority provinces—West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra—representing approximately 78 per cent,” explained Ristianto Pribadi, Head of Public Relations and Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Forestry, during an online press conference on Tuesday (22/9/2026).

He noted that national hotspots have been decreasing since Monday (21/9), with the current total standing at 948.

“Furthermore, from this data over the past week, thankfully, as of 23:59 WIB on 21 September, the hotspot condition has improved, with a national total of 948,” he said.

He then detailed the hotspot figures within the six priority provinces. Among the six mentioned, the number of hotspots in Central Kalimantan remains the highest.

The list of hotspots in the six priority provinces is as follows:

1. Central Kalimantan: decreased from 1,294 to 350 hotspots

2. West Kalimantan: decreased from 355 to 75 hotspots

3. South Sumatra: decreased from 98 to 64 hotspots

4. South Kalimantan: a slight increase from 69 to 74 hotspots

5. Jambi: decreased from 26 to 6 hotspots

6. Riau: no hotspots were observed last night.

The Ministry of Forestry has urged the public to remain vigilant and protect the forests. They advised citizens to avoid activities involving the use of fire.

“On this occasion, we also wish to convey that although the situation has improved, it does not mean the danger of forest and land fires has passed. Therefore, we from the government invite all parties to continue maintaining and increasing our vigilance to avoid any activities related to or involving the use of fire. Even the smallest fire can lead to a disaster in the field, and we must certainly protect ourselves, our officers, and the Indonesian public in general,” he concluded.