Jakarta: Indonesia is facing a tougher battle against wildfires as El Niño is expected to reach its peak in September, Raja Juli Antoni, Forestry Minister has warned.
Indonesia has intensified efforts to contain forest and land fires across 6 provinces on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Smoke from the fires contributes to respiratory illnesses and forced thousands of schools to shift classes online. The effects have also been felt in neighbouring Malaysia.
Authorities manages to reduce the number of hotspots across Kalimantan and Sumatra by the end of August. The government is nevertheless preparing for September as a critical period in the wildfire response.
Ministry data showed that wildfires burned about 200,000 hectares (494,210 acres) of land between January and July. The figure increased from 107,465 hectares recorded between January and June.
Raja Juli stated that the country’s problems are not over as September represents the peak of El Niño. The weather phenomenon has created drought conditions that can worsen wildfires and make containment more difficult.
The Minister remarked that many fires have been deliberately started by individuals or corporations. The ministry imposed fines on 6 forestry permit holders over alleged involvement in the fires. A criminal investigation could also follow.
Satellite imagery identified 42 companies holding concessions with a high potential for wildfires. Indonesia also used weather modification to encourage rainfall. Authorities carried out water bombing operations in affected areas to suppress hotspots and limit the spread of fires.
Malaysia has also recorded serious conditions. Air quality in 6 areas of Sarawak reached hazardous levels on September 1, according to data from Malaysia’s environmental department. The developments raises concerns across Southeast Asia as Indonesia enters the peak period of El Niño. Authorities are continuing efforts to control fires while monitoring hotspots and weather conditions.
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