Indonesia’s fire hotspots fall sharply, but underground peat blazes persist

A man uses a tree branch to try to extinguish a peatland fire in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, October 22, 2026. — AFP pic

First Published: Sunday, 01 Nov 2026 3:22 PM MYT

JAKARTA, Nov 1 — Indonesia’s forest and land fire hotspots have declined to 96 from 160 a day earlier, but rising detections in Central Kalimantan and persistent underground peat fires continue to pose challenges to firefighting efforts.

The Forestry Ministry said high-confidence hotspots declined by 64 nationwide as of 9pm on Saturday, although Central Kalimantan recorded an increase from 12 to 15 hotspots.

Of the 96 hotspots detected nationwide, 19 were recorded across six priority provinces, comprising 15 in Central Kalimantan, three in South Sumatra and one in South Kalimantan.

“Central Kalimantan remains one of the main priorities in forest and land fire control efforts.

“The nature of peatlands means firefighting operations take longer, as fires can continue burning and spreading underground even after surface flames have been extinguished or rainfall has occurred,” it said in its latest update posted on Instagram on Sunday.

The ministry said Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni had inspected previously affected areas in Central Kalimantan to assess conditions and ensure continued monitoring and enforcement.

A total of 61 aircraft remained deployed for firefighting operations, including 24 for aerial patrols and weather modification, and 37 helicopters for water bombing.

The ministry urged communities and businesses to avoid using fire to clear land and to report any signs of smoke or burning. — Bernama