BNPB urges public to wear mask amid wildfires

hartono · Aug 26, 2026

BNPB urges public to wear mask amid wildfires

Illustration - Residents drive across a haze-shrouded bridge in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Monday (Aug. 24, 2026). ANTARA FOTO/Rony Muharrman/YU/pri.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s National Agency for Disaster Countermeasures (BNPB) has emphasized public safety as the country battles forest and land fires, urging residents in affected regions to wear protective equipment, including masks, when conducting outdoor activities.

“BNPB continues to encourage all people in affected areas to wear masks, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities,” Acting Head of the BNPB Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Berton SP Panjaitan said on Tuesday.

He made the statement during an online press conference monitored from Jakarta, noting that firefighting operations remain ongoing in several regions.

Panjaitan also called for public participation in wildfire prevention, urging residents to avoid activities that could trigger fires.

The official stressed the importance of refraining from burning waste, considering that Indonesia is expected to continue experiencing extreme dry conditions due to El Nino through mid-September 2026.

“We will also continue to urge people across Indonesia not to engage in activities that could potentially cause fires,” Panjaitan said.

He went on to urge smokers to ensure that cigarette butts are fully extinguished before disposal to prevent fire risks.

Disclosing Regarding the progress of wildfire response, the BNPB representative reported that containment and cooling operations are still underway in multiple regions across Sumatra and Kalimantan.

He cited fires and haze in Riau Province as an example, pointing to persistent hotspots on peatland across Pelalawan, Bengkalis, Kampar, Indragiri Hulu, and Indragiri Hilir districts.

Authorities have been striving to contain flames and prevent flare-ups in West Kalimantan Province, he added, adding that haze remains visible in Landak, Mempawah, Ketapang, Kapuas Hulu, Sintang, Sanggau, Kubu Raya, Singkawang, and Pontianak.

He also highlighted the situation in South Kalimantan Province, reporting ongoing containment efforts in Banjar, Banjarbaru, Tapin, Tanah Bumbu, South Hulu Sungai, Tanah Laut, Barito Kuala, Kotabaru, and Balangan.