South Sumatra declares emergency as 47 hectares burned

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) announced that South Sumatra has declared a forest and land fire emergency alert status effective until November 30, 2025, following fires that affected 47 hectares in the province.

Abdul Muhari, Head of the Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center at BNPB, stated here on Tuesday that the status was declared after forest and land fires occurred on Sunday (July 27) in Musi Banyuasin, Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir, and Ogan Ilir districts.

The BNPB confirmed that forest and land fires in South Sumatra were among eight disasters recorded in the past week, with the fires being the most common disaster during the period.

As of July 29, 2025, some 47 hectares of mineral and peatland had burned in South Sumatra.

Based on satellite monitoring systems, BNPB also reported 21 hotspots currently under observation in the province.

Muhari said these hotspots suggest the potential for new fires, requiring continued vigilance during the peak dry season, expected to last until August.

He affirmed that to ensure preparedness and bolster coordination, BNPB Head Suharyanto is scheduled to personally inspect the areas affected by the forest and land fires in South Sumatra on Tuesday afternoon.

The BNPB head is scheduled to hold a coordination meeting with various parties, including the regional governments, the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agencies (BPBD), and volunteers, to intensify land patrols and disseminate information on fire prevention.

The BNPB appealed to all stakeholders in the regions to increase vigilance, especially in high-risk areas, such as peatlands and plantation concession areas, throughout the dry season.