Indonesia studies prescribed burning to curb wildfires

Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is studying prescribed burning to mitigate forest and land fires following a nearly eightfold increase in affected areas. Asep Hidayat, head of BRIN’s Ecological Research Center, says the strategy could reduce combustible materials amid intensifying dry climate conditions.

Forestry Ministry data shows the cumulative area affected by fires from January to May reached 81,077 hectares. This is a sharp rise from the 10,444 hectares recorded during the same period in 2025.

Why is BRIN considering prescribed burning?

Asep Hidayat stated that most forest and land fires result from human activities, while dry weather increases their severity. He argued that fire management requires a combination of early detection, prevention, ecosystem restoration, and community involvement.

According to Hidayat, the proper application of prescribed burning offers several ecological advantages:

Accelerating the regeneration of forests.
Reducing the buildup of dry leaves, twigs, and grass.
Controlling invasive species.
Maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
Improving soil fertility.

Hidayat cited McRee Anderson, a fire management expert with The Nature Conservancy, who noted that the United States, Australia, and Canada have used this practice for decades to manage wildfire risks and reduce natural fuel loads.

Did You Know? The area affected by fires in Indonesia grew from 10,444 hectares in early 2025 to 81,077 hectares between January and May of the current period.

How many hotspots have been detected?

Satellite monitoring from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) detected 2,312 hotspots across Indonesia from the start of the year through June 8.

Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan, Deputy Climatology Head of BMKG, reported the highest concentrations in three provinces:

Riau Province: 607 hotspots.
West Kalimantan: 478 hotspots.
Aceh: 220 hotspots.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that while prescribed burning can effectively lower fuel loads, the success of the strategy depends on the “in-depth studies” Hidayat mentioned to prevent the controlled fires from escaping and exacerbating the existing crisis.

What happens next for fire mitigation?

BMKG predicts hotspot activity may continue to rise in the coming months. This is likely due to intensifying dry conditions linked to a strengthening El Niño phenomenon.

The agency emphasized that stronger inter-agency coordination is necessary. This may include the implementation of science-based early warning systems and concrete mitigation steps at the community level.

Hidayat remarked that while fires can be controlled, the adoption of prescribed burning will likely depend on further research into potential negative impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary causes of forest fires in Indonesia?
According to Asep Hidayat of BRIN, most fires are caused by human activities, with dry climate conditions intensifying their scale.

Which regions are currently most affected by hotspots?
BMKG data identifies Riau Province as having the most hotspots (607), followed by West Kalimantan (478) and Aceh (220).

What international precedents exist for prescribed burning?
McRee Anderson of The Nature Conservancy noted that the U.S., Australia, and Canada have used prescribed burning for decades to manage wildfire risks.

Do you believe controlled burning is a viable solution for preventing larger wildfires?