The Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) stated that despite some regions still being in the rainy season, forest fires have occurred in three provinces across the country, including Aceh Province, Riau Province, and Central Kalimantan Province.
Abdul Muhari, Head of Data, Information, and Communication at BNPB, pointed out that the forest fire in West Aceh region of Aceh Province was first reported on the 15th of this month (Thursday) and has yet to be fully extinguished. According to statistics from BNPB's Operations Data Center, this fire has burned about 1.5 hectares of land. Due to strong winds and the water source being far from the fire site, firefighting efforts have faced certain challenges. "Rescue teams are working hard to extinguish and cool down the affected area," said Muhari.
In Riau Province, fires have occurred in Siak Regency and Dumai City. Data from the regional disaster mitigation agency (BPBD) shows that from January 1st to 16th this year, about three hectares have been burned in Dumai City and about 0.25 hectares in Siak Regency, totaling 3.25 hectares. Local joint rescue teams have launched ground-based firefighting efforts to control the fire and prevent it from spreading.
Meanwhile, in the village of Ujung Pandaran, Teluk Sampit, East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan Province, a forest fire also occurred on the 15th of this month, affecting an area of about six hectares. Muhari confirmed that joint rescue teams have successfully brought the fire under control.
The Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency reminds local governments and the public that even though the rainy season is not yet over, they should remain alert, especially in flammable peatlands and abandoned mining areas. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) also stated that the peak of the rainy season is expected to last until February.