A TOTAL of 46 hectares of land have been scorched in separate forest and land fires across Indonesia’s North and West Sumatra provinces, as the dry season intensifies, the country’s disaster management agency reported.
According to National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesperson Abdul Muhari, multiple hotspots were detected early Thursday in Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra, particularly in the districts of Girsang Sipangan Bolon and Pematang Sidamanik.
“The Simalungun Disaster Management Agency quickly coordinated with local authorities to contain the blaze, which is believed to have been fuelled by dry weather and strong winds,” he said in a statement.
By Friday, some 25 hectares had been burned before the fire was brought under control, with support from Indonesia’s forest fire control unit Manggala Agni, local fire brigades, and community volunteers.
Meanwhile, in West Sumatra, two separate fires broke out on Friday evening in Nagari Padang Ganting and Nagari Pagaruyung, both in Tanah Datar Regency.
“Approximately 11 hectares of land were affected in Padang Ganting and another 10 hectares in Pagaruyung,” said Abdul Muhari, adding that both fires were extinguished the same day.
As much of the country enters its dry period, BNPB has called on regional authorities to remain vigilant and strengthen mitigation strategies.
“Authorities have been advised to strengthen mitigation measures, including joint patrols and early suppression of fire hotspots, particularly in high-risk areas,” Abdul Muhari said. - July 19, 2025
