Ministry instructs six governors to step up wildfire response

hartono · Aug 21, 2026

Ministry instructs six governors to step up wildfire response

Firefighters battle a forest and land fire in Kalimantan. (ANTARA/HO-Bakom RI)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Environment issued an urgent directive to six governors across Sumatra and Kalimantan, ordering them to step up efforts to combat forest and land fires and address deteriorating air quality.

In a statement titled "Responding to Declining Air Quality and the Threat of Forest and Land Fires during the 2026 Dry Season," received in Jakarta on Friday, Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat emphasized that protecting public safety in Riau, South Sumatra, Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Jambi, and South Kalimantan is a core priority.

The El Niño phenomenon gripping Indonesia since July 2026 is cited as the primary trigger behind the surging wildfire risk, driving a severe drop in regional air quality.

According to ministry monitoring data, PM2.5 concentrations reached 48.84 micrograms per cubic meter in Kampar (Riau), 47.39 in Ogan Ilir (South Sumatra), and 30.16 in Katingan (Central Kalimantan).

Figures stood at 26.18 in Jambi City, 26.41 in Pontianak (West Kalimantan), and 17.40 in Banjarmasin (South Kalimantan).

Most monitored areas breached Ambient Air Quality Standards, falling into categories deemed unhealthy for the public.

The directive aligns with Circular Letter No. 16 of 2026 on the Prohibition of Land Clearing by Burning.

Under the directive, regional governments must execute prevention efforts, intensify integrated patrols, monitor peatland water levels, rewet high-risk areas, and inspect canal blocks.

Additionally, the ministry requested regional authorities to activate fire control command posts, maximize firefighter readiness, and evaluate station data regularly.

Residents in affected areas are advised to reduce outdoor activities, wear face masks, maintain proper home ventilation, and seek medical care if experiencing respiratory issues.

To curb wildfires, the Ministry of Environment committed to strict oversight and firm legal penalties, ranging from administrative fines to criminal charges against violators.