Head of Emergency Response for the South Sumatra BPBD, Sudirman, stated in Palembang on Friday that throughout June 2025, some 169 hotspots were recorded in South Sumatra. The distribution included 42 hotspots in Musi Rawas Regency, 30 in Musi Banyuasin, 24 in Muara Enim, 17 in North Musi Rawas, 15 in Lahat, and 13 in Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI).
In urban areas, such as Palembang, Lubuklinggau, and Pagaralam, one hotspot was recorded in each city.
"There was an increase of 61 hotspots compared to the May 2025 period, when 108 hotspots were detected," he stated.
He explained that this rise corresponds with South Sumatra entering the second month of the dry season.
"The peak of the dry season is expected from July to August 2025, which means the potential for an increase in hotspots remains high," he stated.
The South Sumatra BPBD continues to urge the public not to burn land, as the risk of forest and land fires (karhutla) will increase as the dry season reaches its peak.
The number of hotspots in South Sumatra fluctuates from year to year. In 2024, the South Sumatra BPBD recorded 4,661 hotspots, a drastic decrease from 20,547 hotspots in 2023.
In previous years, as many as 2,364 hotspots were recorded in 2022, some 2,794 in 2021, around 4,536 in 2020, and about 17,391 in 2019.
Related news: Environment Ministry identifies 142 hotspots as of April 2025
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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Primayanti
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