JurnalPost.com - Thick smoke blanketing the skies of South Sumatra is having a tangible impact on the lives of its residents. Behind the dense haze of forest and land fires (karhutla) that show no signs of abating, there are issues that go beyond mere scorching weather. Current conditions indicate a variety of factors contributing to the persistent emergence of hotspots across several regions.
The forest and land fires occurring in South Sumatra are driven by a combination of extreme weather and human activity. These conditions not only directly threaten public health but also test the government's readiness in preventing and managing such fires.
Distribution of Fire Hotspots in South Sumatra
According to data from the South Sumatra Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, there were 70 recorded fire incidents in a single day, with a total burned area reaching 321.50 hectares.
Meanwhile, data from the Forest and Land Fire Monitoring System (Sipongi) on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 06.00 WIB, showed the number of hotspots in South Sumatra reached 1,669.
Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) Regency recorded the highest number of hotspots, reaching 1,027. This was followed by Musi Banyuasin Regency with 175 and Banyuasin Regency with 142 (Yuliani, 2026).
This data demonstrates that forest and land fires remain a serious issue in South Sumatra, particularly in regions with vast land areas prone to burning.
Smog Conditions in South Sumatra
Forest and land fires have also led to a decline in air quality in several areas across South Sumatra.
Based on data cited from IDN Times Sumsel, Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI) Regency ranked highest in air pollution levels, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching 300 micrograms per cubic meter. Meanwhile, Palembang City recorded a PM2.5 concentration of 284 micrograms per cubic meter (Yuliani, 2026).
The high concentration of fine particles is concerning because PM2.5 can be inhaled into the human respiratory system. This condition becomes increasingly risky with prolonged exposure.
Impact of Forest and Land Fires
Forest and land fires in South Sumatra from August to September 2026 have impacted public health, primarily due to high exposure to PM2.5 fine particles.
One visible impact is the rise in cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI).
The Head of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) at the South Sumatra Health Office, Ira Primadesa, revealed an increase in the number of ARI cases during the smog period.
“Over these three weeks, there have been 29,969 ARI cases in South Sumatra. There are 10 thousand cases recorded each week.”
This statement shows that the impact of these fires is not only related to environmental damage but also directly affects public health (Irwanto, 2026).
Exposure to smoke over a certain period can cause various complaints, ranging from respiratory problems, coughing, and shortness of breath to eye irritation.
Government Readiness in Addressing Forest and Land Fires
The government has taken several steps to strengthen the management of forest and land fires in South Sumatra.
One such effort is the deployment of 12,285 joint personnel to assist in fire suppression efforts across various affected regions (Setiawan, 2026).
In addition to personnel deployment, the government has provided budgetary support through a Presidential Grant of Rp100 billion to accelerate fire suppression and management in South Sumatra (Pahlevi, 2026).
Although various efforts have been made, the handling of these fires still requires serious attention due to the vastness of the affected areas and the number of hotspots that continue to emerge.
Survey Results from Affected Communities
In addition to using secondary data, we also collected quantitative data through a survey containing several questions regarding the fire situation.
The survey was distributed to dozens of respondents who directly experienced the impact of forest and land fires and the resulting smog in South Sumatra.
Based on the survey results, some respondents categorized the smog conditions as “severe”. Visibility was reported to be less than 500 meters in several locations, significantly disrupting public activity.
The most common impacts reported by respondents were respiratory problems and eye irritation.
The majority of respondents also believe that land clearing through burning is one of the primary causes of these fires. On the other hand, the existence of the Fire Care Community (MPA) groups is not yet widely known by the respondents.
In facing the smog, most residents choose to wear masks and reduce outdoor activities.
The survey results also indicate a desire for an improved government response. Several respondents believe that the government's fire management measures still need to be strengthened and implemented more seriously to prevent the fires from recurring.
Conclusion
Forest and land fires in South Sumatra are a serious issue influenced by various factors, ranging from extreme weather conditions to human activity, including the practice of land clearing by burning.
Ogan Komering Ilir Regency is recorded as one of the regions with the highest number of hotspots. This condition has led to a decline in air quality and an increased risk of public health issues.
The rise in ARI cases to tens of thousands within a three-week period shows that these fires have evolved into an issue that concerns not only the environment but also public health.
The government has taken various handling steps, including deploying thousands of personnel and providing budget support of Rp100 billion. However, based on the survey conducted, some members of the public still believe that fire management needs to be improved.
Therefore, stronger prevention strategies, stricter supervision and enforcement of regulations against land-burning activities, and increased community involvement through Fire Care Community groups are necessary. These efforts are crucial to ensure that forest and land fires do not continue to recur and cause increasingly widespread impacts on the people of South Sumatra.
Bibliography
Irwanto. (2026, September 29). Impact of Smog, ARI Patients in South Sumatra Rise by 10 thousand per Week. Tirto.id. https://tirto.id/imbas-asap-karhutla-pasien-ispa-sumsel-naik-10-ribu-per-pekan-hDm3
Pahlevi, A. R. (2026, September 16). South Sumatra Receives Presidential Grant of Rp100 billion for Fire Management. Detik Sumbagsel. https://www.detik.com/sumbagsel/berita/d-8664577/sumsel-terima-banpres-rp100-miliar-untuk-penanggulangan-karhutla
Setiawan, A. (2026, September 15). BNPB and South Sumatra Provincial Government Increase Fire Management, 12,285 Personnel and 7 Helicopters Deployed. National Disaster Management Agency. https://www.bnpb.go.id/berita/bnpb-dan-pemprov-sumsel-tingkatkan-penanganan-karhutla-12285-personel-dan-7-helikopter-dikerahkan
Yuliani. (2026, October 1). 70 Fires Occur in One Day in South Sumatra, 1,669 Hotspots Observed. IDN Times Sumsel. https://sumsel.idntimes.com/news/sumatra-selatan/70-karhutla-terjadi-dalam-sehari-di-sumsel-hotspot-terpantau-1-669-titik-00-6zz13-74nwkx
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