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El Nino Intensifies Indonesia’s Forest Fire Crisis
(MENAFN) Indonesia is facing a growing threat from forest and peatland fires as an extended dry period combines with a powerful El Nino event, creating conditions that allow fires to spread more easily.
Government figures show that nearly 95,000 hectares (235,000 acres) of land burn during July alone. The monthly figure almost doubles the total area affected during the first six months of 2026.
By the end of July, the Forestry Ministry estimates that fires have already damaged approximately 202,000 hectares across the country this year.
The worsening situation brings back memories of some of Indonesia’s most severe fire disasters, particularly the 2015 crisis, when widespread burning across forests and carbon-rich peatlands generated thick haze that affected several countries in the region.
Authorities describe the current fire season as serious, although they say it remains well below the levels recorded during the worst previous years.
About 2.61 million hectares are burned in 2015, while fires destroy approximately 1.64 million hectares in 2019 and another 1.16 million hectares in 2023.
Weather conditions this year are adding to concerns. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency says El Nino has reached exceptionally strong levels, while rainfall across large parts of the country has fallen significantly below normal.
By early August, around 76.5% of Indonesia’s seasonal zones have entered their dry period. More than 90% of the country is experiencing reduced rainfall, with 87.28% of areas registering precipitation below their usual levels.
Government figures show that nearly 95,000 hectares (235,000 acres) of land burn during July alone. The monthly figure almost doubles the total area affected during the first six months of 2026.
By the end of July, the Forestry Ministry estimates that fires have already damaged approximately 202,000 hectares across the country this year.
The worsening situation brings back memories of some of Indonesia’s most severe fire disasters, particularly the 2015 crisis, when widespread burning across forests and carbon-rich peatlands generated thick haze that affected several countries in the region.
Authorities describe the current fire season as serious, although they say it remains well below the levels recorded during the worst previous years.
About 2.61 million hectares are burned in 2015, while fires destroy approximately 1.64 million hectares in 2019 and another 1.16 million hectares in 2023.
Weather conditions this year are adding to concerns. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency says El Nino has reached exceptionally strong levels, while rainfall across large parts of the country has fallen significantly below normal.
By early August, around 76.5% of Indonesia’s seasonal zones have entered their dry period. More than 90% of the country is experiencing reduced rainfall, with 87.28% of areas registering precipitation below their usual levels.
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