National Forest and Forestry Hotspots Down, South Sumatra (Sumsel) Records 184 Spots and Riau Zero

The government also alerted 53 air fleet units. A total of 34 fleets are prepared for water bombing operations, while 19 fleets are used for air patrols and supporting Weather Modification Operations or OMC.

Air support was reinforced with three CH-47 Chinook helicopters from Japan which had been prepared to assist with water bombing operations.

The deployment of the air fleet will adjust to fire conditions, hotspot verification results, weather conditions and aviation safety aspects.

El Nino Increases the Risk of Forest and Land Fires

BMKG estimates that the influence of El Nino is in the very strong category and the dry season will still cause relatively dry atmospheric conditions in most parts of Indonesia from 18 to 24 September 2026.

This condition has the potential to increase the risk of forest and land fires and expand the smoke haze. However, there is still a chance of rain locally, including in Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra (Sumsel), West Kalimantan (Kalbar) and Central Kalimantan (Kalteng) from 18 to 20 September 2026.

The period prone to forest and land fires is estimated to continue in the coming weeks.

In a limited meeting on Wednesday, September 16 2026, the President asked government officials to maintain preparedness and strengthen coordination to face the threat of forest and land fires.

The President also instructed to take action against corporations which, based on verification results, were proven to be responsible for the fires. This action can range from revocation of permits to investigations into suspected criminal elements.