Indonesia reactivates forest fire desk to face El Nino threat

Indonesia has taken proactive steps to prepare for the anticipated impact of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to bring prolonged dry seasons and heightened risks of forest and land fires. In response, the government has reactivated the Forest and Land Fire (Karhutla) Coordination Desk, a centralized body tasked with coordinating efforts among multiple agencies and stakeholders. This move comes as part of broader preparations for the upcoming dry seasons of 2026 and 2027, when the effects of El Niño are projected to intensify.

The reactivation of the desk was formally announced during the 2026 Special Coordination Meeting on Forest and Land Fire Control, held at the Manggala Wanabakti Building in Jakarta. The meeting, titled “Synergy for the Nation in Facing El Niño 2026 and 2027,” brought together representatives from the central government, regional administrations, and various agencies involved in disaster mitigation. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago outlined the rationale behind the decision, emphasizing the potential for increased drought conditions, reduced rainfall, and a higher incidence of hotspots linked to the El Niño effect. These factors could significantly elevate the risk of forest and land fires, particularly in specific regions where such disasters have historically been prevalent.

To address these concerns, the government has identified six provinces—Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan—as areas most vulnerable to the impacts of El Niño. These regions have experienced frequent outbreaks of forest fires in past years, often driven by illegal land clearing practices and the use of fire as a method of agricultural expansion. Chaniago stressed the necessity of close collaboration between the national and local levels of governance, as well as engagement with private sector entities and communities, to effectively manage and mitigate the threat posed by these fires.

The reactivation of the Forest and Land Fire Desk marks a shift from its previous status, which had been dissolved following the conclusion of the 2025 fire season. At that time, responsibility for managing forest and land fires was decentralized, with each ministry and agency operating independently within their designated roles. However, the current approach aims to restore the unified coordination structure that proved essential during the height of the 2025 crisis. Under the new framework, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) will once again play a leading role in overseeing ground operations, aerial surveillance, and weather modification initiatives aimed at preventing and controlling fires.

Chaniago highlighted the importance of maintaining readiness through measures such as optimizing standby posts, conducting integrated patrols, enhancing early warning systems, and ensuring that personnel and equipment are fully operational. He also called for greater involvement from businesses and local communities in fire prevention efforts, recognizing that sustainable solutions require collective participation and shared responsibility.

In addition to the formal reactivation of the desk, recent reports indicate that Indonesia has already begun implementing preventive actions. For instance, the BNPB conducted a week-long weather modification campaign in Jambi to reduce the likelihood of wildfires, while Riau province placed 11 regions on high alert for potential fire outbreaks. These localized efforts underscore the growing urgency of preparing for the challenges associated with El Niño, as the country seeks to minimize environmental damage, protect livelihoods, and safeguard public health.