Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesian National Police (INP) Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo announced that the government has temporarily suspended traditional land-burning exemptions usually granted under local wisdom provisions due to extreme El Nino conditions and prolonged drought risks across Indonesia.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Jakarta on Monday (7/9/2026), he emphasized that severe weather conditions significantly elevate wildfire propagation risks, making customary burning practices unsafe regardless of existing safeguards like firebreaks or local notification protocols.

"Because we are currently facing an extreme prolonged dry season driven by El Nino, the application of land burning under local wisdom is temporarily suspended," Chief Sigit said.

He warned that violators face severe criminal, civil, and administrative penalties. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago reinforced that law enforcement will maintain strict oversight throughout the El Nino period to prevent widespread forest and land fires.

(mg/ad/pr/rs)