inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasized to all companies, including the public and the private sector, to refrain from using fire to clear land amidst the high risk of forest and land fires (karhutla) due to El Niño.

"To all companies, including the public and the private sector, who are accustomed to using cheap and quick methods for land clearing, such as burning forests, I remind you that the police and the prosecutor's office will take firm and strong action against this practice," Raja Juli stated firmly on Thursday (6/18/2026).

According to him, Indonesia is currently facing a serious situation regarding forest and land fires. As of May 2026, approximately 81,000 hectares of land had burned due to the impact of hot weather and El Niño.

He revealed that based on updated information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), El Niño intensity is expected to strengthen starting in July 2026.

"A month ago, we received a briefing from the BMKG stating that there was indeed an El Niño this year, but it was still at a low to moderate level and will reach its peak next year, as this is a four-year cycle. However, the BMKG updated it earlier, saying it will be in July. By July, it will be stronger," he explained.

To anticipate these impacts, the central and regional governments have consolidated various mitigation measures, including weather modification operations and the construction of canal barriers in fire-prone areas.

"God willing, if all stakeholders can continue to work well, we will be able to win this challenging situation," said Raja Juli

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