BMKG Detects 4,028 Hotspots Across Sumatra

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) station in Pekanbaru, Riau, detected 4,028 hotspots across Sumatra, with South Sumatra recording the highest number at 2,994.

According to ANTARA, BMKG Pekanbaru forecaster Bella R. Adelia said the figure represents data updated as of 16:00 WIB (Western Indonesian Time) on Tuesday afternoon, September 15.

In addition to South Sumatra, a significant number of hotspots were also detected in Jambi (319), Bangka Belitung (354), Lampung (269), Riau (40), and Bengkulu (32). "Other regions in Sumatra where hotspots were detected include West Sumatra (13), North Sumatra (2), and the Riau Islands (5)," she said.

Meanwhile, the hotspots in Riau are distributed across six areas. The highest number, 24, is located in the Indragiri Hulu Regency. This is followed by Indragiri Hilir Regency (7), Kuantan Singingi (4), and Pelalawan (3), while Dumai City and Rokan Hilir each have one hotspot.

The hotspot situation is also accompanied by limited visibility in several areas of Riau due to haze. As of 4:00 PM WIB, visibility in Pekanbaru and Rengat was recorded at only around three kilometers each. "Meanwhile, visibility in Pelalawan is 2.5 kilometers, and in Tambang, it is around four kilometers," she explained.

The BMKG has also detected the movement of haze—which is worsening air quality in Riau Province—originating from forest fires in southern Sumatra. This phenomenon is caused by winds that blow from the southeast and southwest.

"Based on the wind patterns and smoke distribution imagery we have monitored, there is a potential for smoke drifting in from areas south of Riau. Since smoke moves with the wind, the conditions observed in Riau are not solely influenced by sources located within the province itself," stated Warjono, Head of the BMKG Pekanbaru Station.