Forest Fire haze disrupts 10 flights at West Kalimantan airport

Indonesia continues to face the lingering threat of forest and land fires despite a noticeable decline in hotspots, according to recent reports. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasized that the nation has not yet achieved safety from these fires, though the overall trend shows improvement. The minister made his remarks during a statement issued on Monday, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and sustainable fire management practices. From August 29–30, 2026, data collected across six key provinces revealed varying degrees of reduction in hotspots. Central Kalimantan saw a significant decrease, with hotspots dropping by 72.4 percent, from 1,116 to 308. West Kalimantan recorded a 49.4 percent decline, moving from 899 to 455 hotspots. South Kalimantan experienced an even sharper drop, with a 83.3 percent reduction, going from 108 to just 18 hotspots. Riau Province managed to reach zero hotspots, having previously recorded three. However, slight increases were observed in South Sumatra, where hotspots rose from 37 to 39, and in Jambi, which increased from one to two. South Sumatra's hotspot numbers showed considerable fluctuations over a five-day period, ranging from 62 on August 26 to 157 on August 27, followed by 81 on August 28, 37 on August 29, and 39 on August 30. These variations underscore the challenges faced in managing fire outbreaks, especially in regions where environmental factors contribute to unpredictable patterns. Raja Juli warned that the absence of visible fires does not equate to the complete resolution of the problem, particularly in peatland areas where fires can persist underground and remain undetected. Peatland fires pose a unique challenge due to their ability to smolder beneath the surface, releasing smoke even in the absence of open flames. The minister explained that without consistent efforts such as cooling, wetting, or repeated intervention, these hidden fires can resurface. Nationally, data indicate that nearly 286,000 hectares of land were burned from January through late August 2026. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that over 48,889 hectares were scorched within the six priority provinces, while the Forestry Ministry’s SIPONGI system identified more than 1,200 active hotspots at peak times across Kalimantan and Sumatra. El Niño-related dry conditions have exacerbated the situation, prompting the minister to call for greater community participation in supporting ground teams, village leaders, and local authorities in mitigating fire risks. This appeal reflects the ongoing struggle to contain the fires, which require coordinated efforts at multiple levels. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency’s head, Suharyanto, highlighted the necessity of verifying satellite-detected hotspots before classifying them as active fires. Verification processes involve the use of helicopters and drones, ensuring accuracy in assessments. In South Sumatra, field inspections confirmed that 11 of the 37 high-intensity hotspots were indeed active fires. Authorities aim to swiftly address all verified fire spots by deploying firefighting resources to affected areas. Weather modification operations are also being prepared to leverage potential rainfall from September 1 to September 6, 2026, as forecasted by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). This anticipated rainfall could aid in extinguishing existing fires, moistening dry land, and preventing the resurgence of smoldering embers. Suharyanto reiterated the commitment to sustained firefighting efforts throughout September, emphasizing the determination to combat the ongoing threat.