BNPB: High Forest Fire Risk Persists in Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan
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30 July 2024 07:07 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has issued a warning about the continued high risk of forest and land fires (karhutla) on the islands of Sumatra, Java, and parts of Kalimantan until at least the first ten days of August 2024.
Abdul Muhari, Head of the agency's Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance during an online Karhutla Disaster Briefing held in Jakarta on Monday, July 29, 2024. He urged regional governments and task forces to prioritize efforts in containing and preventing the spread of fires.
Satellite monitoring conducted by the agency reveals a persistent lack of rain clouds in the western part of Indonesia, contributing to elevated fire risks.
“Although it was announced that El Nino has ended and La Niña is expected to come in August, which we hope could bring much-needed rainfall, the current dry conditions and absence of atmospheric phenomena like the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) have heightened concerns,” Muhari said.
According to him, this condition is in line with data from the operations control center of each Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD). As of the second ten days of July 2024, the majority of mineral land, peat, and hill forests in Sumatra, Java, and parts of Kalimantan (West, Central, North, and South Kalimantan) remain dry and susceptible to fire.
While acknowledging the ongoing threat, Muhari also emphasized the role of human negligence in triggering fires. He cited a recent incident in Pager Watu Malang, East Java, where an unattended campfire led to a wildfire.
The BNPB data from July 22-28, 2024, recorded 24 forest and land fire cases across various regions, including Merangin (2.5 ha), Sarolangun (22 ha), Banyuasin (4.1 ha), Musi Rawas (6.1 ha), Ogan Ilir (4.3 ha), Belitung Timur Regency (1.89 ha), South Aceh (8 ha), Aceh Besar (3.7 ha), Gayo Lues (8 ha), Aceh Jaya (3.7 ha), Nagan Raya (12 ha), Bener Meriah (10 ha), Karo Regency (20 ha), Toba (7 ha), Padang Sidempuan (5 ha), Lima Puluh Kota (2 ha), Kampar (1 ha), Kalimantan (33 ha), Cirebon Regency (8 ha), Pati (5 ha), Tegal (1 ha), and Malang (20 ha).
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