Six New Wildfires Highlight Indonesia’s Dry Season Vulnerabilities

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) of Indonesia reported six new forest and land fires between August 30–31, underscoring the importance of local preparedness in tackling Indonesia’s recurring wildfire risks. The incidents spanned multiple provinces, from Central Java to North Maluku, highlighting how communities and regional disaster agencies are the first line of defense in containing fires before they spread further.

According to BNPB press release issued on Monday, August 31, 2026, in Klaten, Central Java, a fire broke out in Gunung Gajah village, Bayat Subdistrict, on Sunday at 2 p.m. local time, burning 7.3 hectares. The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) and joint teams extinguished the flames by 4:34 p.m. local time the same day.

In Samarinda, East Kalimantan, fires in Makroman and Pulau Atas Villages have been burning since August 29, covering about 12 hectares. Suppression efforts by BPBD and volunteers continued into Sunday. In Kutai Kartanegara Regency, flames in Santan Ilir village, Marangkayu subdistrict, destroyed 27 hectares after igniting on August. Strong winds and distant water sources complicated firefighting.

By Sunday, August 30, 2026, no visible flames remained, though hotspots persisted. Authorities are still investigating the cause.

In Pinrang, South Sulawesi, three separate fires struck Tellumpanua and Watang Suppa villages in Suppa subdistrict, and Katomporang Village in Duampanua Subdistrict, on Saturday. About 37 hectares burned in total, 2 hectares in Tellumpanua village, 5 in Watang Suppa village, and 30 in Katomporang village. BPBD, firefighters, rapid response teams, and local residents extinguished the fires by Sunday. In Sidenreng Rappang Regency, a blaze in Madenra village, Kulo subdistrict, scorched 6 hectares before BPBD, firefighters, and villagers contained it.

In East Halmahera, North Maluku, a fire in Toboino Village, Wasile Timur Subdistrict, burned 4 hectares on Saturday. Preliminary investigations suggest land clearing by burning without supervision as the cause. BPBD, firefighters, and residents managed to extinguish the flames.

BNPB urged regional administrations to strengthen preparedness through patrols in fire-prone areas, hotspot monitoring, readiness of personnel and equipment, and cross-sector coordination. The agency stressed that protecting lives must remain the top priority.

Communities in affected areas were advised to wear masks outdoors due to smoke exposure, avoid land clearing by burning, and immediately report any fire or hotspot to BPBD, local fire brigades, or authorities to prevent escalation. ***

https://www.bnpb.go.id/berita/perkembangan-situasi-dan-penanganan-bencana-di-tanah-air-31-agustus-2026