47 Hectares of Land Burned, South Sumatra Declares Forest and Land Fire Emergency Until November 30
SOUTH SUMATRA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) stated that the South Sumatra Provincial Government has declared a state of emergency for forest and land fires (karhutla) until November 30, 2025, after 47 hectares of land burned in several areas in the province.
The Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, stated in Jakarta on Tuesday that the status was declared following the forest and land fires on Sunday, July 27, in Musi Banyuasin, Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir, and Ogan Ilir Regencies.
The BNPB confirmed that the forest and land fires in South Sumatra were among eight disasters recorded in the past week, with forest and land fires being the most dominant disaster during that period. As of July 29, 2025, 47 hectares of mineral and peatland land had burned in South Sumatra.
Based on its satellite monitoring system, the BNPB also reported that 21 hotspots were still being monitored in South Sumatra.
He stated that these hotspots indicate the potential for new fires, which require continued vigilance during the peak dry season, which is expected to last until August 2025.
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To ensure readiness and strengthen field coordination, he said, BNPB Head Suharyanto is scheduled to directly inspect the locations affected by forest and land fires in South Sumatra on Tuesday afternoon.
The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and his entourage are scheduled to hold a coordination meeting with the local government and a joint team from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Manggala Agni (Firefighting) team from the Ministry of Forestry's Sumatra Operational Area XVII, as well as community volunteers concerned about fires. This meeting will intensify ground patrols and educate communities about fire prevention efforts around vulnerable areas.
The BNPB urges all stakeholders in the region to increase vigilance, especially in high-risk areas, such as peatlands, scrubland, and plantation concessions, which are prone to fire during the dry season.