JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—Indonesia has intensified its response to forest and land fires (karhutla) across six priority provinces by deploying ground crews, water-bombing helicopters and weather-modification aircraft. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said this in an operational update dated Wednesday, Oct. 14.

The response covers Riau, Jambi and South Sumatra, along with West, Central and South Kalimantan. BNPB and regional task forces are tailoring their operations to local terrain and fire conditions. They are adjusting to available water sources to prevent the fires from spreading.

South Sumatra recorded the largest extinguishing operation in Wednesday’s update. BNPB deployed five helicopters that completed 100 water drops. These actions treated an estimated 23 hectares in Ogan Komering Ilir, Banyuasin, Muara Enim and Musi Banyuasin.

Ground teams also reported extinguishing fires across an estimated 257.29 hectares in several South Sumatra districts and Palembang. The figures represent operational estimates of areas treated or extinguished rather than the cumulative area burned during 2026.

In South Kalimantan, five helicopters conducted 190 water drops over fire-affected areas in Barito Kuala, Banjarbaru and Tanah Laut. This operation covered an estimated 44 hectares. Meanwhile, ground crews treated another 57.77 hectares across eight districts and cities.

BNPB also carried out one weather-modification flight over South Kalimantan. The aircraft dispersed 1,000 kilograms of sodium chloride over potential rain clouds near Kotabaru, Tanah Bumbu and Tanah Laut.

West Kalimantan received a similar intervention.

An aircraft dispersed 1,000 kilograms of seeding material over Sekadau, Sanggau, Ketapang, Kubu Raya and Pontianak. A water-bombing helicopter made 19 drops in Kubu Raya. At the same time, ground crews reported extinguishing fires across an estimated 31.5 hectares in six regencies.

Weather-modification operations depend on suitable clouds and atmospheric conditions. BNPB works with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to identify potential targets. Thereafter, they determine whether conditions allow safe and effective cloud seeding.

In Jambi, three helicopters completed 49 water drops and treated about 3.5 hectares in East Tanjung Jabung. Ground teams reported handling another 20 hectares in Muaro Jambi and East Tanjung Jabung.

Central Kalimantan relied mainly on ground operations. Firefighters reported extinguishing approximately 122.1 hectares across South Barito, North Barito, Kapuas, Katingan and several other areas. Teams in Riau treated about 1.8 hectares in Indragiri Hulu and Indragiri Hilir. Meanwhile, they monitored weather conditions for possible aerial operations.

BNPB previously said peat fires, limited water access and changing winds could slow firefighting work. Smoke can also restrict helicopter operations by reducing visibility. The agency therefore combines direct suppression with cooling, firebreak construction and continued monitoring of underground peat fires.

The government designated the six provinces as priority areas because they face recurring fire risks during dry periods. BNPB reported that 56 aircraft supported the national response as of late September. This included 43 water-bombing helicopters and 13 aircraft assigned to patrols or weather-modification operations.

Authorities have urged residents not to clear land by burning. BNPB also asked the public to report smoke or signs of fire immediately. This allows local teams to respond before the flames spread.