National Hotspots Decreased to 666 Points, South Sumatra (Sumsel) Actually Increased

JAKARTA, GARISBUMI.com – The number of hot spots or Hotspots with a high level of confidence nationally fell to 666 spots on Saturday (3/10/2026). However, this decline did not occur evenly. South Sumatra (Sumsel) actually recorded an increase from 83 to 254 points.

The Ministry of Forestry continues to maintain preparedness to control forest and land fires (karhutla), especially in areas with a high concentration of hot spots.

Based on monitoring of the Early Detection Information System for Forest and Land Fire Control (SiPongi) as of Saturday at 21.10 WIB, the number of national Hotspots was reduced by 605 points compared to Friday (2/10/2026), which reached 1,271 points.

This data comes from monitoring satellites NASA Terra/Aqua, NASA SNPP, and NASA NOAA-20, as stated in a statement from the Ministry of Forestry, Sunday (4/10/2026).

South Sumatra (Sumsel) Highest in Six Priority Provinces

In the six priority provinces for controlling forest and land fires, the total Hotspots with a high level of confidence fell from 726 to 429 points. South Sumatra (Sumsel) recorded the highest number among the six provinces.

Apart from South Sumatra (Sumsel), the increase also occurred in Riau and Jambi, which the day before did not record Hotspots with a high level of confidence.

The distribution of hot spots in the six priority provinces is as follows:

- South Sumatra (Sumsel): 254 points, up from 83 points.

- Central Kalimantan (Kalteng): 96 points, down from 355 points.

- Riau: 32 points, from previously zero.

- West Kalimantan (Kalbar): 26 points, down from 246 points.

- South Kalimantan: 18 points, down from 42 points.

- Jambi: 3 points, from previously nil.

The largest decline among these provinces occurred in Central Kalimantan (Kalteng) and West Kalimantan (Kalbar). Meanwhile, the increase in South Sumatra (Sumsel) shows the need for vigilance even though the number of national Hotspots is decreasing.

The Ministry of Forestry emphasized that Hotspots are an indication of surface temperature anomalies detected by satellites. The number cannot be directly equated with the number of fire incidents or the area of ​​burned land.

One fire event can be detected as several Hotspots. Therefore, indications from satellites still need to be checked directly in the field or through ground checks to ensure actual conditions and determine treatment.

A total of 61 Air Fleets were alerted

Controlling forest and land fires is carried out by Manggala Agni together with BNPB, TNI, Polri, BMKG, BPBD, local government, community, volunteers, business world and related parties.

The government has alerted 61 air fleet units, consisting of 17 units for patrols and Weather Modification Operations (OMC), and 44 units for water bombing.

Special attention is paid to peatland ecosystem fires. Embers can survive and spread beneath the surface even though the fire above ground is no longer visible. Wetting and cooling need to be continued until the location is completely safe.

Air Quality and Affected Animals Monitored

The government also monitors air conditions based on the concentration of PM2.5 fine particulates. According to the Ministry of Forestry, most of Indonesia's territory is in the good to moderate category.

However, a number of locations in parts of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java and Papua show unhealthy to very unhealthy conditions. In several locations, air conditions are also listed as dangerous.

Air conditions can change following the development of fires, particulate concentrations, wind direction and speed, and atmospheric dynamics.

People in affected areas are asked to follow air quality information and local government directions. When air quality worsens, people are advised to reduce outdoor activities and use masks if they have to do activities outside.

Special attention needs to be given to children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems or chronic diseases.

Apart from having an impact on the air, forest and land fires can disrupt the habitat, food sources and movement routes of wild animals. The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and related units carry out monitoring and handling according to the results of field assessments.

Treatment can include evacuation, medical examination, treatment, rehabilitation, translocation, and even release if animal and habitat conditions allow.

People who find animals injured, trapped in fires, or entering residential areas are asked not to evacuate themselves. People need to keep their distance, record the location and condition of the animals if possible, then report to the BKSDA or nearest forestry officer.

The Ministry of Forestry has again appealed to the public and business actors not to clear or clear land by burning. The decline in national Hotspots is not yet a reason to reduce vigilance because forest and land fire conditions can change quickly.