Indonesia Forest Fires Cause 60% of Disasters – BNPB
indonesia on High Alert as Forest adn Land Fires Escalate
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Indonesia is intensifying it’s efforts to combat escalating forest and land fires, with a focus on proactive prevention and rapid response.A recent limited meeting led by Prabowo subianto, coordinating with several key ministries, underscores the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of these fires, particularly as the dry season progresses.
Rising Fire Risk and Affected Provinces
The dry season, which began in mid-May 2025 and is expected to peak in August and early September, has significantly increased the vulnerability of several Indonesian provinces to forest and land fires. Current mitigation efforts are concentrated in Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh.
These provinces are experiencing heightened risk due to a combination of dry conditions and land management practices. according to data from the Ministry of Forestry, fires have already burned approximately 8,955 hectares of land from January to August 1, 2025. A particularly concerning statistic is that over 80.15 percent of the affected area consists of peatlands, which are especially prone to prolonged and intense burning.
Regional Breakdown of Fire Hotspots
West Kalimantan is currently the most affected province, with 1,149 hectares of land burned. Riau province follows closely with approximately 751 hectares impacted. Other affected areas include:
North Sumatra: 309 hectares
West Sumatra: 511 hectares
Central Kalimantan: 146 hectares
Jambi: 43 hectares
South Sumatra: 43 hectares
These figures highlight the urgent need for coordinated action across multiple regions.
Coordinated Response and Resource Deployment
The Indonesian government is bolstering its response through strengthened coordination between the BNPB (National Board for Disaster Management), local governments, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Forestry, the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), and the National Police. This collaboration aims to ensure the effective deployment of both ground and aerial firefighting task forces, alongside crucial logistical support.
To enhance monitoring and pinpoint operational areas, the BNPB has deployed a fleet of aircraft:
Two AS365N3 patrol helicopters
One Bell 206 helicopter (totaling 251 hours and 54 minutes of flight time)
Five Sikorsky Blackhawk UH60 water-bombing helicopters
Three Mi-8 AMTs
One Kamov helicopter
These aerial resources have already accumulated 241 hours and 40 minutes of water-bombing flight time since April.
Beyond Extinguishment: A Focus on Prevention
While firefighting efforts are critical, authorities emphasize that prevention is paramount. “We cannot solely rely on extinguishing fires.Prevention through education and law enforcement is also crucial,” stated a BNPB spokesperson.This preventative approach includes public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of land burning and stricter enforcement of regulations prohibiting illegal deforestation and burning practices.
Indonesia has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards forest burning, as highlighted by Minister Gunawan, signaling a firm commitment to protecting the nation’s valuable ecosystems. The government is also prioritizing a faster response to forest and land fires, recognizing the importance of swift action in minimizing damage. Recent commendations from Prabowo Subianto to the ministries involved demonstrate the positive impact of ongoing efforts to reduce fire occurrences.