Indonesia Enhances Forest Fire Response Amid El Niño Threat

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia keeps on controling forest and land fires as extreme weather and the threat of El Niño increase the risk of fires across several regions. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, said the government has mobilized air and ground resources to contain fires and prevent them from spreading.

He said more than 107,000 hectares of forest and land had been affected by fires across Indonesia as of August 10, 2026. He said the government has deployed significant personnel, equipment, and other resources to respond to the situation.

“As of today, more than 107,000 hectares of forest and land in Indonesia have been burned. Because of our collective efforts, we have deployed a great deal of personnel, capabilities, and equipment to deal with the situation,” Djamari said at a press conference in Jakarta on Monday.

The government has deployed around 43 helicopters as part of its aerial operations, while between 10 and 15 fixed-wing aircraft are also being prepared according to conditions on the ground. Weather modification operations conducted by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) are among the measures being used to help generate rainfall in areas affected by fires.

“Air operations are actually very effective, particularly through weather modification operations conducted by BNPB. But there is one requirement we have to deal with: there must be rain-producing clouds,” Djamari said.

According to him, weather modification operations can only be carried out when suitable clouds are available for cloud seeding. Weather forecasts indicate opportunities for rain-producing clouds in the coming days through around August 18, prompting authorities to closely monitor weather developments.

Ground operations are also being strengthened as water supplies decline in some areas during the dry season. The government is preparing mobile flexible tanks and developing alternative water sources, including wells in fire-prone areas, to ensure adequate water supplies for firefighting.

The government is closely monitoring six provinces considered highly vulnerable to forest and land fires: Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan. Authorities are also monitoring fires in other regions, while fires in Mount Bromo, Mount Gede Pangrango, and areas around Mount Rinjani have largely been brought under control, as the government remains alert to the potential impact of a stronger El Niño that could prolong the dry season and increase fire risks.