JAKARTA, BALINEWS — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry is strengthening forest and land fire prevention and suppression efforts following an increase in detected hotspots across several parts of the country.
According to the Ministry of Forestry’s SiPongi Early Detection and Forest and Land Fire Control Information System, 582 high-confidence hotspots were detected as of 9:10 p.m. local time on Thursday (Oct. 1, 2026). The hotspots were identified using data from NASA’s Terra/Aqua, SNPP and NOAA-20 satellites.
The figure increased from 521 high-confidence hotspots recorded a day earlier on Wednesday (Sept. 30).
Central Kalimantan recorded the highest number with 205 hotspots, followed by South Sumatra with 78 and South Kalimantan with 63. Riau recorded two hotspots, while no high-confidence hotspots were detected in West Kalimantan or Jambi during the monitoring period.
The Ministry stressed that a hotspot is an initial indicator based on satellite detection of surface temperature anomalies and does not automatically confirm an active fire.
Each hotspot requires field verification to determine the actual conditions on the ground. A single fire can also be detected as multiple hotspots, making satellite data an important tool for identifying areas that require priority inspection and response.
In response to the changing situation, the government is strengthening personnel readiness, field monitoring and coordinated ground and aerial firefighting operations in areas considered vulnerable to forest and land fires.
The operations are being conducted in coordination with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police, regional governments, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), Manggala Agni firefighting teams and other relevant agencies.
A total of 61 aircraft and other aerial assets have been placed on standby to support aerial patrols, weather modification operations and water-bombing efforts.
Ground operations include preventive patrols, monitoring of fire-prone areas, field verification of reported hotspots, firefighting and post-fire cooling, or mopping up, to prevent fires from reigniting.
Air Quality Remains Under Monitoring
The government is also monitoring air quality as part of efforts to protect communities potentially affected by forest and land fires.
Monitoring includes PM2.5, fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller that can serve as an indicator of particulate pollution in the air.
Recent monitoring showed that air quality in some parts of Indonesia remained in the good to moderate range. Authorities are continuing to monitor conditions, particularly in areas experiencing fires or at risk of smoke exposure.
Residents are advised to follow air-quality information and reduce outdoor activities if air quality deteriorates, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, older people and those with respiratory conditions.
Wildlife Rescue Efforts
The Ministry of Forestry is also carrying out efforts to rescue wildlife affected by forest and land fires.
The response is being coordinated through the ministry’s technical implementation units, particularly the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), in cooperation with other relevant parties.
Reports of wildlife affected by fires are subject to field verification and assessment to determine the appropriate response.
Residents who encounter injured, trapped or fire-affected wildlife, or animals that have entered residential areas, are advised not to attempt to capture or evacuate the animals themselves.
They are instead encouraged to maintain a safe distance and immediately contact the nearest BKSDA office or forestry officials so that trained personnel can respond appropriately.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
The Ministry of Forestry has urged communities and other stakeholders to remain vigilant, particularly in areas that continue to experience dry conditions.
Residents are reminded not to clear or prepare land by burning, as such activities can increase the risk of forest and land fires and affect the environment, public health, wildlife and community activities.
People who spot smoke, fires, illegal burning or wildlife requiring assistance are encouraged to report the incidents immediately to enable an early response.
The Ministry of Forestry, together with regional governments, the TNI, National Police, BNPB, BMKG, Manggala Agni and community groups, said it would continue strengthening coordinated efforts to prevent and control forest and land fires and protect forests, biodiversity, the environment and communities.
