Pekanbaru (Catramedia.com) – In July 2025, forest and land fires burned about 510 hectares in Riau Province. These fires started in many districts. Kampar, Rokan Hulu, and Rokan Hilir lost the most land. The thick smoke from the fires crossed the sea and reached Malaysia. This shows that the problem is not only local, but also international.
Many people and companies caused the fires because they burned land to clear it. They wanted to make space for farming or palm oil plantations. This method is fast and cheap, but it is very dangerous. It is illegal too, but some people still do it. The fires often start on peatlands, which are very dry and full of carbon. When peat burns, the fire can go deep underground and last for weeks. This makes it hard for firefighters to stop it.
The dry season also made the problem worse. The sun and heat made the land even drier. In July and August, the air had very little moisture. This helped the fire spread quickly across forests and villages.
The government responded to the fires. They declared an emergency in Riau. They used airplanes and helicopters to drop water on the fire. They also tried cloud seeding to make rain. Police and soldiers joined the team to control the fire. They worked day and night. The government also held public events to teach people about fire prevention. They asked students, teachers, and village leaders to help protect nature.
However, these efforts are not enough. People still burn land in secret. Some companies hide their actions and deny responsibility. The fire returns every year, and the same damage happens again.
To stop this problem, people must change how they treat the land. Farmers need new tools and training. The government must give them better support. Police must arrest and punish people who burn forests. Also, local communities must take part in forest protection. Schools and families must teach children to care about the environment.
This fire crisis is not only a problem for Indonesia. The smoke pollutes the air in other countries. Malaysia and Singapore often complain when the haze reaches their skies. So, Indonesia must work together with its neighbors to stop this from happening again. They can share knowledge, build better systems, and agree on new rules.
In conclusion, forest fires in Riau show that humans hurt nature when they choose short-term benefits. If people do not act now, forests will keep burning, animals will lose their homes, and millions will suffer from the smoke. But if the people, the government, and the world work together, they can stop the fires and protect Riau’s nature for the next generation.
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