inp.polri.go.id - Makassar. The South Sulawesi Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that 112 forest and land fires occurred across 15 regencies/cities in South Sulawesi during the 2026 dry season.
"Regarding these incidents, action has been taken, and this will certainly have legal implications," said Amson Padolo, Head of the South Sulawesi BPBD, when contacted by reporters in Makassar on Friday (8/21/2026)
According to data obtained, the series of forest and land fires from January to August 2026 scorched a total area of 1,613.67 hectares. The burned area comprised 1,607.92 hectares of forest and land, and 5.75 hectares of community plantations.
One of the most severely affected areas was Enrekang Regency, with forest and land damage reaching 1,044.55 hectares, resulting in 10 incidents. Furthermore, in Barru Regency, 315 hectares were affected with five fires, and in Tana Toraja Regency, 126 hectares were affected with 11 fires.
In addition to causing environmental damage, forest and land fires also impacted residential areas. Palopo City recorded the highest social impact, with 10 fires destroying 1.25 hectares of plantations and 3.5 hectares of forest, affecting seven families and resulting in four casualties.
Meanwhile, in Bantaeng Regency, four families were affected by two fires, and one family in Bone Regency was affected by one fire. In total, 12 families were affected and four people were reported injured.
The forest and land fires also damaged public facilities and infrastructure, with a total of 39 units damaged. The most damage was in Barru Regency, with 37 units, and North Luwu Regency, with two units.
The peak intensity of forest and land fires occurred during the dry season, July-August 2026. In Parepare City, there were 25 forest and land fires affecting 20.06 hectares, followed by Pinrang Regency with 18 fires affecting 54.4 hectares of forest and land and 3 hectares of plantations.
In response to these incidents, the South Sulawesi BPBD continues to urge the public and relevant parties to increase their vigilance to prevent the potential for new fires.
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