Forestry Ministry Strengthens 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

RRI.CO.ID, JAKARTA - The Forestry Ministry reiterated its commitment to strengthening forest and land fire mitigation in 2026. The commitment was stated by Vice Forestry Minister Rohmat Marzuki during a mitigation coordination meeting in Jakarta, Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Rohmat praised Manggala Agni and partners for the enhanced wildfire control response in 2025. National evaluation recorded approximately 359,000 hectares burned, representing 0.19 percent of Indonesia’s land.

“In 2026, conditions are expected to be hotter, requiring earlier, more systematic, and data-driven prevention,” he said.

According to the ministry's press release, the Climate Outlook 2026 indicates shifting conditions, with elevated wildfire risks increasing from mid-year. Authorities expect heightened risks beginning July 2026 across parts of Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Nusa Tenggara.

The deputy minister therefore requested risk maps overlaid with permits, conservation areas, and recent burn histories. He also urged expanding community fire groups in high-risk provinces, particularly areas frequently affected.

Meanwhile, the ministry's Director General for Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto affirmed strict ban on land clearing by fire, including strict oversight of permit-holding companies. According to him, the forestry ministry reported formal warnings have been issued, reinforcing corporate obligations to manage fires within concessions.

Then, Director for Forest Fire Control Thomas Nifinluri said the ministry has prepared an integrated mitigation strategies which combine prevention, response, and recovery, supported by technology and patrols. In January 2026, 225 operations controlled roughly 600 hectares, strengthening community-based prevention capacity.