As we enter the dry season, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya said the ministry has been creating artificial rain to prevent peatland fires in several fire-prone areas, with the help of the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) and the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

The artificial rain has allowed Riau, Jambi and South Sumatra to overcome their “first critical phase” of land and forest fires from March to early June this year, she said.

The BMKG estimates that the 2020 drought season will start in June and peak in August, warning that dry conditions will typically induce hot spots.

''We are usually rather worried about the weather development in June or during Lebaran [Idul Fitri]. We are now a little relieved but we need to remain alert for the second critical phase at the peak of the dry season in August. All relevant parties must increase their vigilance,'' Siti said in a press statement on Monday.

Observers have cautioned against lax prevention efforts by a government already overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic response, ahead of another potential bout of forest and peatland fires during the current dry season.

The health and economic crises may still evolve into a catastrophe of smoke inhalation, overburdened hospitals, huge carbon emissions and damage to national resources.

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