Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Indonesia recorded another decline in high-confidence forest and land fire hotspots, but the Forestry Ministry is maintaining ground and aerial operations as fire activity remains dynamic across priority provinces.
The Forestry Ministry’s SiPongi early fire detection system recorded 527 high-confidence hotspots nationwide as of 9:10 p.m. on October 4, 2026, based on satellite data from NASA Terra/Aqua, NASA SNPP and NASA NOAA-20.
The figure fell by 139 hotspots from 666 recorded on October 3.
Among six priority provinces, Central Kalimantan recorded the highest number with 116 hotspots, up from 96 the previous day. South Sumatra followed with 75, down significantly from 254.
West Kalimantan recorded 19 hotspots, down from 26, while South Kalimantan recorded 15, compared with 18 previously. Riau and Jambi recorded no hotspots, down from 32 and three, respectively.
Together, the six priority provinces recorded 225 high-confidence hotspots, a substantial decline from 429 the previous day.
The Forestry Ministry said the decline is a positive development, but differences between regions require continued monitoring. The increase in Central Kalimantan has prompted stronger field monitoring and verification.
Hotspots Require Ground Verification
The ministry stressed that satellite-detected hotspots represent surface-temperature anomalies and cannot be directly interpreted as the number of fires or the size of burned areas.
A single fire can produce multiple hotspot detections. Ground verification is therefore necessary to establish actual conditions and determine the appropriate response.
Forest and land fire control operations continue through an integrated effort involving Manggala Agni, BNPB, TNI, Polri, BMKG, BPBDs, local governments, communities, volunteers, businesses and other stakeholders.
Ground operations include patrols, hotspot verification, direct firefighting, firebreaks, wetting, mopping up and cooling.
Special attention remains focused on peatland fires because embers can persist and spread beneath the surface even after visible flames disappear. Firefighters must continue wetting and cooling affected areas until the site is considered safe.
Air Quality Remains a Concern
The government is also monitoring air quality based on PM2.5 concentrations to protect public health.
Most parts of Indonesia remain in the good to moderate air-quality categories. However, unhealthy to very unhealthy conditions have been reported in parts of Kalimantan, Sumatra and Papua, with some locations reaching hazardous levels.
Air quality can change rapidly depending on fire activity, particulate concentrations, air-mass movement, wind direction and speed, and other atmospheric conditions.
People in affected areas are advised to monitor official air-quality information and follow local government guidance. If air quality deteriorates, residents should reduce outdoor activities and wear masks when going outside.
Children, pregnant women, older people and those with respiratory or chronic illnesses require particular attention.
Wildlife Protection Continues
Forest and land fires can disrupt wildlife habitats, food sources and movement corridors.
The Forestry Ministry, through the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and related units, continues to monitor and respond to wildlife affected by fires.
Authorities have urged people who encounter injured, trapped or fire-affected wildlife, or animals entering residential areas, not to attempt rescue or handling themselves.
People should keep a safe distance, avoid actions that could make animals stressed or aggressive, record their location and condition when possible, and report them to the nearest BKSDA or forestry officer.
Public Urged Not to Burn Land
The Forestry Ministry has again urged communities and businesses not to clear or prepare land through burning.
The decline in hotspot numbers does not mean the fire threat has ended. Forest and land fire conditions can change rapidly depending on weather, land conditions and activities on the ground.
Authorities are urging the public to immediately report smoke, fires, land-burning activities or wildlife requiring assistance so that emergency responses can be initiated as early as possible. (*)
