Riau's Forest and Land Fires Spread to Pelalawan, Manggala Agni Strengthens Peatland Firefighting

Efforts to control forest and land fires (Karhutla) in Riau Province are being intensified as fire hotspots spread to several areas. On Friday (29 May), Manggala Agni teams began deploying additional resources to the coastal regions of Pelalawan Regency to anticipate the intensifying fire spread. Ferdian Krisnanto, Head of the Sumatra Forest Fire Control Office (Dalkarhut), stated that firefighting operations in Pasir Limau Kapas, Rokan Hilir, have entered their third day. While surface flames are now contained via barrier techniques, field personnel must continue intensive cooling efforts. “The Manggala Agni Daops III/Labuan Batu Selatan team is currently conducting mop-up operations. Some spots are still emitting thin smoke, indicating residual embers beneath the surface,” Ferdian said on Friday (29 May). Ferdian emphasised that the peatland characteristics in Kandis, Siak Regency, and Rokan Hilir present major challenges. Cooling processes require meticulous attention as embers often lie hidden beneath the ground and are difficult to detect visually. “Time and diligence are required during cooling operations. We must ensure no residual embers remain that could reignite fires during hot, windy conditions,” he added. In addition to maintaining personnel at existing hotspots, the task force is also bolstering response at new fire sites. Two teams from Daops VII/Rengat are currently en route to Mendol Island and Sokoi in Kuala Kampar, Pelalawan Regency. “The teams are expected to arrive and land in the afternoon or evening. We are ensuring all personnel remain fully on alert as Riau Province has entered the high-risk fire season,” Ferdian stressed. Dalkarhut Sumatra is committed to regularly updating the public on firefighting operations to ensure residents receive current information on air quality and land safety in their areas. The extent of forest and land fires in Riau, exacerbated by Super El Niño, has become increasingly concerning, with 14,855 hectares burned from January to April 2026. Indonesia and South Korea are developing a Forest and Land Fire Management Centre in South Sumatra to strengthen Karhutla control and address El Niño threats. The deaths of Manggala Agni personnel in Bengkalis have prompted calls from Indonesia’s House of Representatives for enhanced safety standards and insurance coverage. The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) continues to strengthen efforts to control forest and land fires. The Ministry of Forestry, alongside joint task forces, has successfully controlled forest and land fires in Riau,