Thousands of Hotspots Emerge, Government on High Alert
The government is strengthening preventive measures to suppress the rising risk of forest and land fires (karhutla) this year. This strategy is seen as key to addressing karhutla more permanently while reducing emissions.
A preventive approach has been chosen so that handling is no longer reactive, especially in vulnerable areas such as Riau and West Kalimantan, which are showing a rapid surge in hotspots.
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that prevention must be the top priority in controlling karhutla. “We can no longer be reactive; prevention must be the frontline defence because that is the key to controlling karhutla as well as making a real contribution to reducing emissions,” said Hanif.
The Ministry of Environment has recorded 3,563 hotspots in Indonesia up to early April 2026. This figure indicates an increasing trend compared to the previous year, particularly in vulnerable areas.
In West Kalimantan, there are 14 regencies and cities prone to karhutla with 463 high-risk villages. Most are located in peat areas that are highly susceptible to burning.
The peat area in this region covers around 2.7 million hectares, or 19 percent of the province’s total area. This condition heightens the potential for fires if not anticipated early.
Groundwater level monitoring shows vulnerable conditions in several areas such as Pontianak, Singkawang, and Kubu Raya with levels between minus 80 and minus 40 centimetres. This indicates that peat is easily combustible.
The government considers water management and early prevention as crucial steps to suppress fire risks. Moreover, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency predicts the dry season peak will occur from June to August 2026.
Preventive measures are being strengthened through a community-based approach and local wisdom, including education to avoid opening land by burning. These efforts are also supported by canal blocking construction and peat revitalisation.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago emphasised the media’s role in building public awareness. “I hope that all media personnel will continue to help build public awareness about the dangers of fires, the importance of not opening land by burning, and the importance of immediately reporting any fire points or smoke found,” stressed Djamari.
In addition, readiness of human resources, facilities, infrastructure, and financing continues to be strengthened to ensure rapid response on the ground. Strict law enforcement against arson perpetrators will also be carried out.
The government asserts that controlling karhutla requires consistent cross-sector collaboration. These efforts are important to protect the public while maintaining environmental sustainability.