Head of the Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center of the BNPB, Abdul Muhari, explained here on Tuesday that meteorological monitoring indicates some Indonesian areas are experiencing drought, while others face sudden heavy rain.
"The sea surface temperature is currently above normal, increasing the chance of extreme rainfall outside the usual seasonal patterns. This must be anticipated," Muhari remarked.
BNPB has mapped several areas of special concern, including East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), South Sulawesi, and parts of East Java, which have been hit by heavy rain accompanied by strong winds in the past week.
Furthermore, mountainous regions, such as Papua and Kalimantan, also experienced an increase in rainfall influenced by local and regional weather disturbances.
BNPB warned that without proper mitigation efforts, disasters such as flash floods, landslides, and whirlwinds can occur unexpectedly.
"We have coordinated with the BPBD (regional disaster mitigation agencies) in provinces and districts to increase monitoring, early warning systems, and logistics readiness," he affirmed.
Muhari also explained that this year, at least nine provinces received special attention for forest and land fires. Six of these—Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan—are prioritized due to their fire-prone peatlands.
According to data from the Ministry of Forestry, from January to August 1, 2025, the burnt area has reached approximately 8,955 hectares.
West Kalimantan is the province that recorded the highest number of incidents, with burnt areas reaching 1,149 hectares.
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Translator: M Riezko, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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