Indonesia intensifies aerial firefighting as forest fires scorch multiple provinces
Summary
Indonesia is increasing efforts to fight large forest fires that are burning thousands of hectares across several provinces. These fires have created thick smoke that affects cities and crosses into neighboring countries like Malaysia and Brunei.Key Facts
- Fires are burning in central and western Indonesia, including parts of Borneo and Sumatra islands.
- The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) says El Nino weather patterns and a long dry season have worsened the fires.
- President Prabowo Subianto visited fire-affected areas and promised more government support, such as adding water-bombing helicopters and oxygen for firefighters.
- More than 11,500 hectares have burned in Riau province alone.
- Indonesia is using 35 foreign-registered aircraft for water bombing and aerial patrols to fight the fires.
- Satellite data shows South Sumatra has the highest number of fire hotspots with 1,429 areas detected.
- Nearly 94,000 hectares burned in July, and dry conditions and strong winds make firefighting harder.
- Ground firefighters total over 10,700, but some fire areas remain hard to reach, increasing the need for aerial firefighting support.
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