Effendi Rusli, Jakarta – Forest and land fires in Riau's Rokan Hulu have burned more than 229 hectares as firefighters struggle to contain the flames due to challenging terrain and limited water sources. The haze from the fires has begun drifting into neighboring Malaysia, raising regional air quality concerns.

Jim Gafur, Head of Emergency Management at Riau's Regional Disaster Management Agency, said three additional water bombing helicopters would join the effort, bringing the total to five.

"Currently, only two helicopters are operational, one is under maintenance, and another is working in Rokan Hilir," Gafur said on Monday, adding that many hotspots are inaccessible to ground teams due to the hilly terrain.

The fires in Rokan Hulu are burning soil on slopes with limited water sources, making aerial water bombing the only effective firefighting option. Meanwhile, in Dumai, fires have consumed 35 hectares of peatland, with around 100 personnel from the police, military, and disaster agencies working to contain the blaze.

Dumai Police Chief Angga Herlambang noted that the fires are burning deep peatlands, making suppression efforts difficult. "The smoke is visible above ground and the fire burns underground," he said on Tuesday.

Haze reaches Malaysia

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Pekanbaru reported that haze from the Riau fires has crossed into Malaysia, carried by southeasterly winds. BMKG forecaster Bibin S said satellite imagery shows the haze drifting northward, originating from fires in Rokan Hilir Regency.

"If the number of hotspots increases, the haze is expected to impact Malaysia. If the fires can be controlled, the spread will decrease," Bibin said.

Currently, 582 hotspots have been detected across Riau, with the highest concentrations in Rokan Hilir (244) and Rokan Hulu (192). Other affected areas include Kampar, Bengkalis, Pelalawan, Siak, Meranti, Dumai City, and Pekanbaru.

BMKG reported that Pekanbaru's air quality on Tuesday afternoon fell into the unhealthy category, with particulate levels measured at 65.8 micrograms per cubic meter.

Authorities continue to urge residents to remain cautious, particularly in areas affected by haze and reduced air quality, while efforts to contain the fires intensify across Riau.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/forest-fires-in-riau-scorch-over-229-hectares-haze-spreads-to-malaysi