Yuni Rohmawati, Palembang – South Sumatra saw a sharp increase in hotspots in July 2025, reaching the highest monthly total for the year so far. Sudirman, Head of the Emergency Response Division of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of South Sumatra, stated that Musi Banyuasin Regency (Muba) accounted for the majority of these hotspots, prompting heightened vigilance against potential forest and land fires.
"The number of hotspots as of July 24 has reached 1,137 points," Sudirman reported on Friday, July 25, 2025.
According to BPBD data, hotspot numbers surged on July 20 with 214 points, and again on July 22 with 119 points. Musi Banyuasin alone registered 250 hotspots this month. In the second place were North Musi Rawas Regency (Muratara) with 181 points, followed by Musi Rawas with 174 points and Muara Enim with 154 points.
Most other areas in South Sumatra, such as Lubuklinggau and Prabumulih, observed only two hotspots each, while Palembang had three. Only Pagar Alam reported no hotspots throughout July.
Cumulatively, Sudirman noted, South Sumatra has recorded 2,663 hotspots since the beginning of 2025. This number has steadily climbed since May, coinciding with the onset of the dry season.
Distribution of hotspots in South Sumatra
Regions with the highest cumulative hotspots throughout 2025 include Muara Enim (548 hotspots), followed by Muba (464 points), Musi Rawas (377 points), Muratara (353), Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir or PALI (218 points), Lahat (199), and Ogan Komering Ilir or OKI (121). The cumulative number of hotspots in other parts of South Sumatra remains considerably lower.
"The trend of increasing hotspots is likely to continue as the dry season peaks. We continue to coordinate with various parties for prevention and early mitigation," Sudirman affirmed.
Here is the distribution of hotspots in South Sumatra throughout 2025, sorted by monthly data:
- January: 45 points
- February: 66 points
- March: 100 points
- April: 216 points
- May: 523 points
- June: 576 points
- July (until July 24): 1,137 points
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2032744/south-sumatra-records-1137-hotspots-highest-count-of-2025-in-jul