Indonesia battles forest fires and water shortages as El Niño drought worsens

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that forest and land fires (karhutla) and drought continue to dominate disaster incidents across Indonesia during the dry season. Notable fires were recorded in Taddakong Village, Pinrang Regency (South Sulawesi), affecting about five hectares, and in Gemantar Village, Wonogiri Regency (Central Java), covering roughly four hectares; both incidents caused no casualties.

Severe water shortages have been reported in several districts. In Banyumas Regency, Central Java, the lack of rainfall forced authorities to distribute 27,000 liters of clean water to affected villages. Similar crises were documented in Ngawi Regency, East Java, where 164 households struggled to obtain water, some walking several kilometres into forested areas. In the highland districts of Agandugume, Oneri and Lambewi in Puncak, Central Papua, El Niño‑induced drought and temperature drops led to failed harvests and a food‑and‑water emergency for hundreds of residents, prompting the TNI Habema to deliver aid.

BNPB head Abdul Muhari emphasized that the combined impact of El Niño, dry foliage and high temperatures continues to trigger sudden fire hotspots and exacerbate water scarcity across the archipelago.