Riau authorities increase forest fire prevention as hotspots rise

Authorities in Riau, Indonesia, have increased preparedness following the detection of numerous hotspots across several regencies. On Saturday, September 5, 2026, monitoring identified significant heat activity in four key areas: Indragiri Hulu with 59 hotspots, Indragiri Hilir with 48, Pelalawan with 22, and Siak with 20.

In response, Riau Police Chief Irjen Herry Heryawan and Pangdam XIX/Tuanku Tambusai Mayjen Agus Hadi Waluyo conducted a field inspection at the PT Bumi Siak Pusako area in Dayun District, Siak Regency. The visit aimed to evaluate the readiness of personnel and equipment, as well as the effectiveness of firefighting and cooling processes.

Officials emphasized that hotspots must undergo ground checks to verify if active fires are present. Once fires are extinguished, thorough cooling is required, particularly in peatland areas, to prevent underground embers from reigniting the flames.