Nine Regencies in South Sumatra Declare Forest and Land Fire Alert Status

Palembang (ANTARA) - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of South Sumatra has recorded that nine regencies in the province have declared emergency alert status for forest and land fires (karhutla) as a step to enhance preparedness ahead of the peak of the 2026 dry season.

Sudirman, Head of Emergency Response at BPBD South Sumatra, said in Palembang on Wednesday that Musi Rawas Regency is the latest area to declare karhutla alert status after its regent signed a decree establishing the status, which will remain in effect until November 2026.

With this declaration, the regional government has a legal basis to optimise prevention measures and improve preparedness for potential forest and land fires during the dry season.

As of mid-July 2026, nine regencies in South Sumatra have declared karhutla alert status, namely Muara Enim, Banyuasin, Musi Banyuasin, Ogan Ilir, Ogan Komering Ilir, Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI), Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU), North Musi Rawas (Muratara), and Musi Rawas.

BPBD South Sumatra recorded that Musi Rawas Regency has experienced nine karhutla incidents throughout 2026. The highest number occurred in Muara Kelingi District with four incidents, followed by BTS Ulu with two, whilst one incident each occurred in Muara Lakitan, Tuah Negeri, and STL Ulu Terawas Districts.

Based on the number of incidents, Musi Rawas falls into the yellow zone category, meaning an area with one to 15 karhutla incidents.

In addition, from January to mid-July 2026, a total of 185 hotspots were detected in Musi Rawas Regency. The number of hotspots continues to rise as rainfall decreases and the peak of the dry season approaches, which is expected to occur between August and September.