Ground and Air Task Force Speed Up South Sumatra Forest Fire Response

RRI.CO.ID, Palembang – The National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) along with the South Sumatra Forest and Land Fire Handling Task Force intensified ground and air operations to accelerate fire suppression in South Sumatra on Monday, August 31, 2026. This integrated step was taken to suppress hotspots and prevent the risk of cross-border haze during the peak of the dry season and the 2026 El Niño phenomenon.

Monitoring data as of August 30, 2026, recorded that the remaining area requiring fire suppression and strict monitoring in South Sumatra stood at 67.06 hectares. Based on aerial patrols and ground checks, the joint team focused on fire suppression and cooling operations, particularly on peatland areas prone to spreading.

"The results of forest and land fire suppression operations in South Sumatra prove that the Ground Task Force—consisting of Manggala Agni, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), BPBD, the Fire-Care Community, Basarnas, volunteers, and the private sector—is the main strength and must be further enhanced," the Head of the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB), Suharyanto said, cited from a written press release on Monday, August 31, 2026.

The Head of BNPB affirmed that strengthening the role of the ground team is key to breaking the chain of fire spread in hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, a total of 11,567 joint personnel were deployed alongside the distribution of operational equipment support to seven affected regencies and cities.

In addition to ground forces, support from nine air fleet units and Weather Modification Operations (OMC) were deployed to extinguish hotspots in high-priority areas such as Ogan Komering Ilir and Musi Banyuasin. This intensive collaboration successfully reduced the trend of burned forest and land areas in South Sumatra by more than 88 percent over the past three years.

Although the overall situation remains under control, smoke accumulation temporarily triggered a decline in air quality to the "very unhealthy" category in Palembang City. This condition prompted relevant authorities to tighten environmental monitoring to protect the health of nearby communities.

As a health precautionary measure, BNPB urged residents to reduce outdoor activities and always wear medical-standard masks. Authorities along with all elements of the Task Force remain on full alert until all hotspots are completely extinguished.