Indonesian regencies declare emergency status for forest fires and drought

Local governments in Indonesia have declared emergency disaster statuses to combat forest and land fires (karhutla) and drought conditions exacerbated by El Nino.

In Seram Bagian Timur (SBT), the regency government is coordinating with the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) to secure personnel and equipment. Vice Regent Muhammad Miftah Thoha Rumarey Wattimena noted that collaboration with the central government is essential due to local resource limitations. The SBT government plans to form a dedicated task force to accelerate fire response and is considering weather modification operations to address the drought.

In Lamandau, the regency has officially established a forest fire and drought emergency alert status, effective from August 4 to November 1, 2026. Local authorities have issued circulars urging the public, village leaders, and business sectors—particularly in plantation, mining, and forestry—to monitor land activities. Specific prohibitions include the use of fire for land clearing, and citizens are advised to conserve water and report any fire outbreaks immediately.