Indonesia faces forest fires and flooding in early October

The National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) reported a series of natural disasters across Indonesia during the first week of October 2026, primarily dominated by forest and land fires (karhutla).

In East Java, a fire burned 11 hectares of forest in Gunung Bancak, Magetan Regency. The province has been under a drought and forest fire emergency status since May 26. In Central Java, fires affected three districts in Klaten Regency, covering 4.6 hectares in the Brumbung and Gunung Gede areas, as well as the Bukit Cemoro Sewu region.

Other reported incidents include land fires in Bangka Tengah, Bangka Belitung, and South Sulawesi. Additionally, heavy rainfall triggered flooding in South Nias, North Sumatra, affecting 75 families and damaging approximately 60 houses, a health facility, an educational facility, and a village hall. Local disaster management agencies (BPBD) are coordinating response and recovery efforts.