South Sumatra Provincial Government Declares Forest and Land Fire Emergency Alert Until November 2026
Palembang (ANTARA) - The South Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov Sumsel) has declared an emergency alert status for forest and land fires (karhutla) from 22 April to 30 November 2026 as a precautionary step against the dry season predicted to arrive earlier and be drier due to the potential El Niño phenomenon.
The Head of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of South Sumatra, M. Iqbal Alisyahbana, in Palembang on Friday, stated that the declaration of this alert status has been directly signed by the Governor of South Sumatra.
“For South Sumatra itself, we have already declared the karhutla alert status from 22 April to 30 November. The consideration is based on information from BMKG that this year’s dry season is estimated to be longer, arrive earlier, and be drier,” he said.
He explained that the declaration of this alert status aims to accelerate access to assistance from the central government and strengthen coordination for mitigation on the ground, following the increasing number of hotspots in several areas.
In addition to the provincial level, Ogan Ilir Regency and Ogan Komering Ilir Regency (OKI) have also declared similar alert statuses due to the development of hotspots that are starting to be monitored.
“The challenges ahead related to karhutla will be addressed by strengthening coordination. Even though there are budget limitations, the handling must not decrease,” said Iqbal.
As a handling measure, he said, the South Sumatra Provincial Government has submitted a request to the central government and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) for support in the form of patrol helicopters and water bombing.
In addition, the local government is also proposing the implementation of Weather Modification Operations (OMC) to moisten the land, especially peatlands, so that water reserves remain available during the peak dry season.
They also urged companies to reactivate fire mitigation facilities, such as firefighting teams, reservoirs, and canals in their respective concession areas.
The public is also asked to increase vigilance, particularly in economic activities that use fire, to prevent karhutla incidents.
“The dry season is predicted to arrive earlier and last longer compared to previous years, so it needs to be anticipated together,” said the Head of the South Sumatra BPBD, M. Iqbal Alisyahbana.