The El Niño phenomenon has intensified dry weather, causing the number of fire hotspots across Indonesia to surge to the highest level in more than a decade. Local officials and experts warn that the worst is yet to come.
As of the 20th, satellite detection data from SiPongi, the wildfire monitoring system of Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry, showed that so far this month, over 3,500 hotspots have been recorded—more than four times the total in July. Moreover, most areas of Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Java islands are facing an increased risk of forest fires.
The thick haze caused by wildfires has blanketed many regions, such as Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan Province, and its surroundings.
Yudo, head of the Kalimantan Forest and Land Fire Control Center at the Ministry of Forestry, said that due to the large number of fire sites, all 767 of his colleagues on Kalimantan island have been sent to various frontlines.
He stated: "It's really too difficult; there's nobody left in our office."
However, Indonesia's annual drought and fire season has only just begun. This week, the Indonesian government reported that nearly 95,000 hectares of land nationwide were burned in July alone.
Yudo told AFP: "We must also maintain our endurance; September and October will be even drier."