Aceh Disaster Not Over, After Flood, Forest Fires Emerged

Illustration of forest fires (ANTARA)

BANDA ACEH - West Aceh seems to continue to be hit by disasters. After being hit by flash floods, then another disaster came. This time, forest and land fires (karhutla) spread in a number of areas.

The Regent of West Aceh, Tarmizi, has declared a state of emergency for the karhutla disaster for 14 days, starting from January 28 to February 10, 2026. The determination was stated in an official letter from the local government based on the study of the West Aceh BPBD.

Karhutla was recorded in seven sub-districts, namely Johan Pahlawan, Woyla, West Woyla, Meureubo, Pante Ceureumen, Bubon, and Kaway XVI. The total area burned is estimated to reach 57.7 hectares.

"Of this area, only about 23 hectares have been successfully extinguished. The rest is still under control," said Regent Tarmizi, Monday, February 2.

The fire not only damages the land, but also disrupts the activities of residents and the learning process at schools. Although the number of hotspots has started to decrease, a number of hotspots are still being monitored, especially in Bubon, Kaway XVI, and Meureubo Districts.

Efforts to extinguish the fire are still being carried out by a joint team of BPBD, TNI, Polri, KPH Aceh, volunteers, and the community. However, the peatland which is easily flammable, the lack of water sources, and the limitations of equipment make the extinguishing process slow.

On the other hand, BNPB has deployed a weather modification operation (OMC) team. Salt seeding to the clouds continues to be carried out so that rain will soon fall and help put out the fire.

The impact of the haze was felt by residents. The West Aceh Health Office recorded 30 people suffering from ISPA in Samatiga District. The majority of sufferers are children and the elderly who live near the fire location.

The local government has also held istisqa prayers in each sub-district and distributed masks to road users and schools affected by the smoke.

West Aceh is now struggling with two consecutive disasters. After being hit by flash floods, residents were again tested with a forest fire that had not completely gone out.