Aceh Province Faces Looming Threat of Wildfires Amid Peak Dry Season

Jakarta – As the peak of the dry season approaches, Aceh province finds itself on high alert due to the potential threat of wildfires. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued warnings following the detection of hotspots in various districts and cities within the province.

Nuria, a seismologist at the BMKG-Sultan Iskandar Muda Office, emphasized that the Aceh region has already entered the peak of the dry season. The agency recently spotted hotspots in districts like West Aceh, Central Aceh, Gayo Lues, and North Aceh, raising concerns about possible wildfires.

The BMKG's warning extended to regions with lower relative humidity, including Banda Aceh city, and the districts of Aceh Besar, Pidie, Pidie Jaya, Aceh Jaya, East Aceh, Bener Meriah, and Central Aceh. Residents have been urged to stay vigilant and refrain from activities that could potentially spark fires.

This year's dry season has been projected to follow a pattern similar to the one witnessed in 2019, heightening the need for proactive measures to prevent catastrophic wildfires. Nearly one-third of Indonesia, covering 194 seasonal zones determined by the BMKG, has been predicted to experience the dry season from June onward.

Dwikorita Karnawati, the head of BMKG, expressed concerns about the El Nino phenomenon, which is being amplified by the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). The combination of these climate drivers may exacerbate the drought conditions during the dry season, making Aceh and other susceptible regions particularly vulnerable to wildfire outbreaks.

The potential consequences of uncontrolled wildfires are immense, as they can devastate large areas of land, destroy wildlife habitats, and pose a significant threat to human lives and properties. Local authorities and communities must work hand in hand to adopt preventive measures and promote responsible land practices to mitigate the risks.

Raising awareness about the dangers of open burning and promoting sustainable land management practices are crucial steps in safeguarding Aceh's natural resources and ecosystems. The collaborative effort between the BMKG and relevant stakeholders can enhance early detection and rapid response systems to combat wildfires effectively.

Sejumlah Kota Besar di Indonesia Akan Turun Hujan, Ini Daftarnya

Hujan diprakirakan turun dengan intensitas ringan hingga berat.

VIVA.co.id

6 Juli 2025