Riau forest and land fires reach 14,855 hectares as Manggala Agni warns of hard warning

The extent of forest and land fires (Karhutla) in Riau Province, facing the effects of a Super El Niño, is increasingly worrying. In the January–April period, the area burned reached 14,855 hectares. Ferdian Krisnanto, head of the Sumatra Fire Control Center (Dalkarhut) and leader of Manggala Agni, told Media Indonesia that the comparative analysis of Karhutla in Riau during El Niño years shows a similar pattern to the El Niño event in 2019. In 2019, the area burned in Riau during January–April reached 26,375 hectares, while in 2023 it was 1,099 hectares; this year, as of 2026, it has climbed to 14,855 hectares. “This is clearly a hard warning,” Ferdian asserted on Wednesday (20 May). The analysis covers January–April and compares years with El Niño. “This is because in previous periods the fires occurred but only became clearly visible in satellite imagery in May; previously clouds obscured the view,” he explained. He noted that the analysis still includes forest and non-forest land types, predominantly peatland with some mineral soil. No definitive determinations or details regarding land tenure holders—the plantation companies, forestry firms, or community lands—have been established yet. “We will overlay the map of permit holders later,” Ferdian said. He urged heightened vigilance against the El Niño conditions affecting the country, particularly in Riau. “This is about preparedness. From local government and private sector permit holders to the community, everyone must prepare budgets, facilities and human resources for prevention, early detection and rapid response, given the hotter and longer dry season ahead.” He reminded all parties to stay vigilant against the imminent disaster threat. “When the time comes and we are unprepared, it will be very dangerous. The potential disaster is before us,” he concluded. (H-3)