BMKG: Risk of Forest and Land Fires Still High until End of October 2026

JAKARTA, GARISBUMI.com – The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warns that the risk of forest and land fires or forest and land fires is still high until the end of October 2026. The government and community are asked to maintain preparedness during the peak of the dry season which is influenced by El Niño.

This warning was conveyed by the Head of BMKG, Teuku Faisal Fathani, in a limited meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto in a hybrid manner from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (16/9/2026).

Faisal explained that BMKG continues to monitor atmospheric conditions, the distribution of smoke and the direction of movement of pollutants to support the government's mitigation measures. This institution also supports the implementation of Weather Modification Operations (OMC) together with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), related ministries, local governments and a number of stakeholders.

Based on BMKG analysis, some of the smoke observed in the Riau region was also influenced by the movement of air masses from other regions in Sumatra. Dry season conditions influenced by El Niño still have the potential to increase the risk of forest and land fires over the next few weeks.

"The peak of the dry season is predicted to continue until the end of October 2026. Therefore, prevention, preparedness and mitigation efforts need to continue to be strengthened until we enter the rainy season," said Faisal.

Prabowo asks for forest and land fire preparedness to be maintained

President Prabowo Subianto asked all levels of government to maintain preparedness and strengthen coordination in facing the threat of forest and land fires which is expected to continue for the next month and a half.

"We must have stamina and resilience. It was previously reported that the next month and a half will still be quite vulnerable, but we will look for comprehensive solution steps," said Prabowo.