inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The government continues to strengthen its efforts to address forest and land fires. The Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurrofiq visited the affected areas in Rokan Hilir Regency.

"We greatly appreciate the efforts made by the regional government and all its staff. However, the intensity of firefighting efforts is needed to resolve the forest and land fires in Rokan Hilir as quickly as possible," he said, as reported by RRI on Thursday (7/24/2025).

This review was carried out following a surge in hotspots in Rokan Hilir, which reached 354. With 9 active firespots as of July 20, 2025, this region has the highest number of forest and land fires in Riau Province.

The Minister of Environment also conducted aerial monitoring covering vulnerable areas such as Bangko Pusako, Kubu, Kubu Babussalam, Simpang Kanan, and Pasir Limau Kapas Districts.

"From observations, the fires were observed to be affecting very dry peatlands with minimal access to water sources. Hotspots were also found in production forests and limited production forests, which are vulnerable to the spread of massive fires," he said.

In response to this situation, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry/Environmental Agency (BPLH) is strengthening coordination with various parties, including the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Indonesian National Military (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (INP), and local governments. This is to increase the speed and effectiveness of the response.

As part of the emergency response, five BNPB water-bombing helicopters were deployed. As of mid-July 2025, 594 water-bombing sorties had been conducted, covering a total volume of 2,376,000 liters.

Furthermore, Operation Weather Modification (OMC) was resumed on July 21, 2025, targeting the Rokan Hilir area and its surroundings. Local governments were also urged to expedite firefighting efforts with active involvement at the grassroots level.

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