“We do not need to wait for certainty that El Nino will occur or for conditions to become critical before strengthening preparations,” Forestry Minister’s climate change adviser Haruni Krisnawati said here Tuesday.
Bengkulu is entering a period requiring greater vigilance over forest and land fires. Although monthly hotspots detected in 2026 remain relatively low, prevention remains important, she said.
Wildfires can increase significantly during dry climate conditions, including El Nino. Authorities therefore need to prepare early rather than wait for an emergency, she added.
The government has various information sources to support early action, including weather forecasts, hotspot data, wildfire records and knowledge from communities on the ground.
“Our principle is, of course, early warning followed by early action,” she said.
The principle should involve early warning, detection and action. Hotspots should immediately trigger increased patrols, personnel and equipment readiness, and field verification, Haruni said.
She also stressed the need to secure water sources in fire-prone areas, saying limited infrastructure and water supplies can hamper firefighting once fires start.
Water sources and access to fire-prone areas should therefore be identified early. This would prevent firefighters from searching for water only after fires have spread, she said.
Companies and permit holders should also increase patrols and prepare personnel and equipment in their operating areas, while strengthening coordination with nearby communities, Haruni said.
Areas repeatedly hit by fires require special attention. Authorities and stakeholders should identify the causes and address underlying problems to prevent recurring fires, she said.
“If the cause is not addressed, we will keep returning to the same places to put out fires,” Haruni said.
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Translator: Boyke LW, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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