Forest Fires Covering 15,000 Hectares in Riau Province Contained
President Prabowo Subianto Monday (08/24) presided over a meeting at Riau Province Forward Command Post to evaluate forest and land fire management, ensure that the management proceeds properly, and strengthen the prevention and management system to avoid recurrences.
During the meeting, Head of Regional Disaster Management Agency and Fire Department (BPBDPK) of Riau Province M. Edy Afrizal stated that the situation of forest and land fires in Riau province in 2026 has improved compared to the previous year.
According to Edy, as of Sunday (08/23), up to 306 hotspots in the province have been detected.
“Out of the 306 hotspots, seven spots are on fire, spread across four regencies. One spot in Pelalawan regency, two spots in Indra Giri Hilir, two spots in Indra Giri Hulu, and two spots in Kampar. The fire in Pelalawan regency remains large, especially in Kerumutan district, so does the fire in Kampar regency, especially in Rimba Panjang village,” he said.
Furthermore, Eddy pointed out that from January to August 2026, a total of 16,227 hectares of land in Riau province were burned due to forest and land fires, adding that in the same period, 10,514 hotspots were identified, with 521 confirmed fire sites.
“Alhamdulillah, we have managed to put out the fires, so the seven spots are the only remaining fire sites,” he said.
For this achievement, the Head of State expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the forest and land fire management, including Riau Province’s Commander of Military Region, Chief of Regional Police, Governor, and Regional Agency for Disaster Management, as well as relevant ministries/Government institutions.
“I suppose this is quite an achievement. You managed [to put out fires on] 15,000 hectares. I believe you can manage the remaining 900. Do mobilize the personnel of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri). If you need reinforcements, do report it shortly. However, I believe that you can manage the 900 hectares. Stay vigilant,” he said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/AW)
