Officer Dies in Pinrang While Fighting Forest Fires

Forest and land fires (karhutla) have struck South Sulawesi Province. An officer passed away in Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi, during firefighting efforts.

In Pinrang Regency, the fires affected three sub-districts across two districts, namely Temmassarangnge and Macinnapec in Paleteang District, and Salo in Watang Sawitto District. This event resulted in the death of one individual during the suppression efforts. “The Pinrang Regency BPBD is still conducting an assessment of the affected area’s extent,” said Berton SP Panjaitan, Acting Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre of the BNPB, on Wednesday (16/9).

Separately, the Paleteang Police Chief, Iptu Syamsul, confirmed a banana plantation fire on the Pinrang-Enrekang Highway, Temassarange Sub-district, Paleteang District, Pinrang Regency, which occurred on Tuesday (15/9) at approximately 01:00 WITA, resulting in one fatality. The victim was identified as Yaping, 70, a resident of Mamminasae Sub-district, Paleteang District, Pinrang Regency. “The fire site was located precisely in the plantation area situated behind the victim’s house,” said Syamsul.

According to the Police Chief, the victim is strongly suspected to have died after inhaling thick smoke while struggling to extinguish the flames alongside local residents. “The victim did not actually suffer direct burns to his body during the incident. However, while fighting the fire with residents, he became dizzy and was assisted by locals to his home. He has since been buried,” explained Syamsul.

Meanwhile, in Majene Regency, West Sulawesi, the fire broke out in Rangas Village, Banggae District. The Majene Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that 3 hectares of land were affected by the wildfire. In response to the situation, firefighting efforts are ongoing. “There are no reports of casualties from this specific event,” added Berton.

Based on predictions for the fire susceptibility of the topsoil layer up to 17 September 2026, several regions in Java, parts of Sumatra, Kalimantan, and eastern Indonesia are categorised as very easy to flammable to easy to flammable. Meanwhile, rainfall predictions indicate that most parts of Indonesia remain in the medium to low category. The BNPB has urged the government and the public to remain vigilant and prepared to face the threats of forest fires and drought.

Effective control and handling of forest fires can be achieved through early prevention steps. The community plays a significant role in protecting the surrounding environment so that the impact of smoke can be minimised as early as possible.