Indonesian Lawmaker Urges Stronger Wildfire Preparedness Ahead of Dry Season

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - An Indonesian lawmaker has called on the government to strengthen wildfire prevention and public protection measures as the country faces the prospect of a longer and drier dry season in 2026. The concerns are growing that worsening conditions could increase the risk of forest and land fires across several regions.

A member of the House of Representatives’ Commission IV, Daniel Johan in Jakarta, June 11, 2026, said authorities must not only focus on extinguishing fires, but also take stronger preventive action. He stressed that protecting communities from the impacts of smoke haze should be a key priority.

“Controlling wildfire hotspots must remain a priority. However, preventive measures to stop fires from spreading further must also be optimized, including protection for residents affected by smoke haze,” Daniel said on Thursday.

Wildfires continue to affect parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, two regions that regularly experience severe fire seasons. In Riau Province, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that more than 15,000 hectares of land had burned between January and early June this year.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has identified Central Kalimantan as one of the priority provinces for wildfire preparedness during the 2026 dry season. Fires in West Kalimantan have already destroyed several villages, highlighting the risks facing local communities.

Daniel cited BMKG forecasts indicating that Indonesia may experience a longer and drier dry season, with peak conditions expected in August. He warned that prolonged drought could significantly increase the likelihood of more widespread forest and land fires.

The legislator urged authorities to strengthen early warning systems, improve peatland management, and expand public education campaigns discouraging land clearing through burning. He also called for greater transparency through the publication of daily risk maps showing fire hotspots, wind patterns, and public safety recommendations.

Daniel further urged the government to provide health, social, and economic assistance for communities affected by smoke haze. “The state must be present to protect its citizens through access to clean air, affordable healthcare, and income support when livelihoods are disrupted,” he said.