TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, together with related ministries and institutions, is strengthening national coordination to face the challenge of forest and land fires this year. This tactical step is consolidated through a Special Coordination Meeting (Rakorsus) for Forest and Land Fire Control 2026 with the theme "Synergizing for the Nation to Face El Nino 2026 and 2027," led by the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, in Jakarta on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Djamari emphasized that the control of forest and land fires directly impacts national resilience, the economy, and diplomatic relations. Therefore, field handling must prioritize a collaborative approach and rapid response.
"The success of forest and land fire control depends on preparedness and preventive measures before the fires escalate, not just extinguishing the fires after they have already spread," said Djamari, as quoted from a written statement on Friday, June 19, 2026.
According to him, special attention is given to six provinces that are prone to extensive peat ecosystems, namely Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan.
Meanwhile, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni, in his report, stressed the importance of being wary of the recurring four-year cycle of forest and land fires, especially with indications of dry weather this year.
"Historical trends show that we are facing the challenge of a recurring cycle of forest and land fires that require extra vigilance. This year's dry season is coming earlier and the challenges are real, so we must not be negligent. I also request full commitment from all forestry concession holders to take direct responsibility for the prevention and monitoring of fire points in their working areas," said Raja Juli.
In the Rakorsus, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the 2026 dry season is predicted to come earlier, be drier, and last longer, peaking from July to September due to the development of the El Nino phenomenon.
In response to this projection, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), together with the governors of vulnerable provinces, expressed readiness to mobilize personnel, activate field posts, and establish the Emergency Alert Status for Forest and Land Fires in priority areas such as Riau, West Kalimantan, South Sumatra, and Jambi.
As a concrete step at the operational level, the government has activated the Forest and Land Fire Coordination Desk 2026 in accordance with Presidential Instruction Number 3 of 2020. This desk integrates early monitoring, preventive patrols, Weather Modification Operations (OMC), ground and aerial firefighting by Manggala Agni with the Task Force, to layered law enforcement (administrative, civil, and criminal) for individuals and corporations that violate regulations.
According to Raja Juli, this intensive, continuous collaboration in controlling forest and land fires is also crucial to reducing national carbon emissions and achieving the success of Indonesia's FOLU Net Sink 2030 agenda.
Read: Indonesia Reports 81,000 Hectares of Land Burned Amid El Nino
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