Indonesia braces for dry season, warns of extreme heat, forest fires

JAKARTA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned on Thursday that the Southeast Asian country is entering the dry season, which could bring extreme heat and an increased risk of forest fires.

The agency reported that several regions in Indonesia have experienced hot weather, with maximum temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature, recorded in East Java, reached 37.9 degrees Celsius.

"Indonesia is now entering the dry season, raising the potential for forest and land fires. Early prevention is the most effective step to avoid environmental damage, economic losses, and public health impacts," said head of the BMKG Dwikorita Karnawati, as quoted by local media.

Karnawati noted that the risk of forest fires is expected to rise during this year's dry season, peaking between June and August.

"Some areas in Riau, North Sumatra, and East Nusa Tenggara are already showing medium to high risks of forest and land fires," she added.

Indonesia, known for its vulnerability to forest and peatland fires, has seen significant fire activity this year. ■