BNPB warns that the potential for forest fires is starting to emerge in a number of areas.

A number of motorcyclists cross the road covered in smoke from forest and land fires (karhutla) in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Thursday (5/3/2026). / ANTARA FOTO/Jessica Wuysang/bar

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reminded that the potential for forest and land fires (karhutla) has begun to emerge in a number of areas in the midst of the dominance of wet hydrometeorological disaster events that are still taking place in various areas.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said that the threat of forest fires was observed to have started in the South Sulawesi region, specifically in the East Luwu Regency on Thursday (5/3).

The BNPB Operations Control Directorate reported that the fire burned an area of about five hectares of mineral land in East Luwu, requiring quick handling by joint officers to prevent the fire from spreading to the plantation area or protected forests around it.

According to Abdul, the fire extinguishing and localization efforts were carried out by a joint team in the field so that the fire did not spread wider and had a greater impact on the environment and the community.

On the other hand, he said that the decrease in rainfall that began to occur in several regions such as Riau Province and West Kalimantan also increased the potential for moderate level of forest fires.

BNPB continues to strengthen coordination with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) at various levels to ensure the acceleration of emergency handling and maintain the accuracy of data collection on the impact of events in the field.

In addition, the government also emphasizes the importance of early prevention measures through surveillance of hot spots and increased readiness of the authorities in fire-prone areas.

BNPB appeals to the public not to burn land for any purpose and immediately report the appearance of any fire point to local authorities to prevent a wider smoke disaster.