Nine South Sumatra Regencies Enter Wildfire Emergency Alert
- 16 Jul 2026 02:48 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Nine regencies in South Sumatra have declared forest and land fire (karhutla) emergency alert status to strengthen prevention and preparedness efforts.
- The emergency declarations provide legal authority for local administration to allocate emergency funds and respond more quickly to wildfire risks.
RRI.CO.ID, Palembang - Tactical measures to tackle forest and land fires in South Sumatra have gained firmer legal footing after nine regents officially signed decrees declaring a state of emergency alert. The regulations provide a vital legal basis for local governments to release emergency funds.
As reported by Antara, Musi Rawas Regency is the latest area in South Sumatra to declare a forest‑and‑land fire emergency, following the regent’s signing of a decree that will remain in force until November 2026. The designation gives local authorities the mandate to optimize prevention efforts and strengthen preparedness for potential fires during the dry season.
As of mid‑July 2026, nine regencies in South Sumatra have set wildfire alert status: Muara Enim, Banyuasin, Musi Banyuasin, Ogan Ilir, Ogan Komering Ilir, Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI), Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU), North Musi Rawas (Muratara), and Musi Rawas.
“With Musi Rawas added, nine regions have now declared alert status,” said Head of Emergency Response Division of the South Sumatra Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Sudirman, in Palembang on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.
BPBD South Sumatra recorded nine wildfire incidents in Musi Rawas during 2026. The highest number occurred in Muara Kelingi Subdistrict with four incidents, followed by BTS Ulu with two incidents, and one incident each in Muara Lakitan, Tuah Negeri, and STL Ulu Terawas. Based on that tally, Musi Rawas is classified as a yellow zone, defined as areas with one to 15 wildfire incidents.
Moreover, authorities detected 185 hotspots in Musi Rawas from January through mid‑July 2026. The number of hotspots has risen as rainfall declines and the peak of the dry season, projected for August to September, approaches.
BPBD South Sumatra continues to urge subdistrict and city administrations to intensify joint patrols and public outreach. These steps are considered crucial to strengthen prevention and reduce the risk of forest and land fires during the dry season. ***
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