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.

The President also asked that the handling of forest and land fires this year be used as evaluation material to strengthen the disaster mitigation system in the future. Prevention and preparedness need to be improved so that fire handling can be carried out more quickly, integrated and effectively.

Post-earthquake conditions in Flores are relatively stable

Apart from forest and land fires, BMKG reported post-earthquake conditions in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, which were considered relatively stable. These conditions allow the rehabilitation and reconstruction process to begin.

BMKG has coordinated with the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government to provide geophysical data and information. This data will be one of the bases for planning a safer rebuilding that meets the principles of earthquake-resistant buildings.

"We have discussed with the governor and the Head of the PUPR Service to provide the results of a survey of land conditions so that rebuilding can be carried out in a more targeted manner and in accordance with the rules for earthquake-resistant buildings," said Faisal.

Support KMP Virgo Transport 8 Search

During the meeting, BMKG also reported support for meteorological and oceanographic data in search and rescue operations related to the KMP Virgo Transport 8 incident.

BMKG models ship movements based on Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. Information regarding weather, wave height, wind and sea currents is also conveyed to relevant agencies to support search operations.

"At the time of the incident, weather conditions were observed to be clear and cloudy without rain, with wind speeds ranging from 15-20 knots, wave heights of 1.5 to 2 meters, and sea surface currents of between 0.4 to 1.2 knots," explained Faisal.

According to him, this information has been submitted to the Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP) and used as a reference in search and rescue operations.

BMKG emphasized that it will continue to provide data, information and early warning services to support science-based decision making in disaster management and community protection.