Facing the Potential of El Nino, the South Sumatra Provincial Government has set a Karhutla Alert until November 30

Archive. Karhutla burns land in Sungai Rambutan Village, Ogan Ilir Regency, South Sumatra, Thursday, July 24, 2025. (ANTARA FOTO-Nova Wahyudi)

JAKARTA - The South Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov) has set an emergency alert status for forest and land fires (karhutla) from April 22 to November 30, 2026 as a precautionary measure to face the dry season which is predicted to come sooner and drier due to the potential of El Nino.

Head of the South Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), M. Iqbal Alisyahbana, said the status of alert had been signed directly by the Governor of South Sumatra.

"For South Sumatra itself, it has set the status of the forest fire alert from April 22 to November 30. The consideration is based on BMKG information, this year's dry season is expected to be longer, faster to come, and drier," he said in Palembang, quoted by Antara. Friday.

He explained that the determination of this alert status aims to accelerate access to assistance from the central government and strengthen coordination of countermeasures in the field, following the increasing number of hotspots in a number of regions.

In addition to the provincial level, Ogan Ilir and Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) regencies have also set a similar alert status due to the development of hotspots that have begun to be monitored.

The drought conditions predicted to be more extreme this year, he continued, require a wider handling by involving various parties, including the community and the business world.

"The challenges ahead related to forest fires will be faced by strengthening coordination. Even though there are budget constraints, handling should not decrease," said Iqbal.

As a handling step, he said, the South Sumatra Provincial Government has submitted a request to the central government and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) for support for patrol helicopters and water bombing.

In addition, the local government also proposed the implementation of Weather Modification Operation (OMC) to wet the land, especially peatland, so that water reserves are still available during the peak of the dry season.

"We also apply for OMC to wet peat land, so that during the peak of drought there is still a water source," said Iqbal.

His party also appealed to companies to reactivate fire control facilities, such as fire brigades, ponds, and canals in their respective concessions.

The public is also asked to increase vigilance, especially in economic activities that use fire, to prevent forest fires.

"The dry season is expected to come sooner and last longer than the previous year, so it needs to be watched together," said Iqbal.