inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The government has temporarily suspended the practice of land clearing by burning, which has been carried out based on local wisdom. This policy was implemented amidst the prolonged dry season and El Niño, which have increased the risk of forest and land fires.

The Indonesian National Police (INP) Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated that the extreme dry season has increased the risk of fires. Therefore, local regulations permitting land clearing by burning cannot be implemented temporarily.

"Because we are currently in the extreme dry season, which is El Niño, the implementation of forest burning based on local wisdom has been suspended," Sigit said at a press conference in Jakarta on Monday (9/7/2026).

Sigit explained that under normal conditions, land clearing based on local wisdom still has several requirements. Among them, communities are required to report the activity to the village head and establish firebreaks to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas.

However, all of these provisions cannot be implemented while Indonesia is facing the extreme dry season and El Niño.

"However, this local wisdom has its own regulations, especially during a long dry season like this, so these local regulations cannot be enforced," he said.

To prevent fires, the government, along with the Indonesian National Military (TNI), the INP, local governments, and relevant agencies, continues to strengthen prevention measures and educate the public.

Dissemination is being conducted to ensure the public understands the regulations for land clearing during extreme weather conditions and the legal risks of continuing to burn.

The INP Chief emphasized that violations of wildfire prevention regulations can result in legal sanctions. Perpetrators can be subject to criminal, civil, and administrative sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations.

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