Jakarta, July 22 -- The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is expanding its helicopter fleet and continuing the third phase of Weather Modification Operations (OMC) to expedite the handling of forest and land fires (karhutla) in Riau Province.

In a statement on Tuesday, BNPB Head Suharyanto reported that all districts and cities in Riau were affected by forest and land fires as of July 20, 2025. Therefore, an integrated response must be carried out promptly on the ground.

His side noted that forest and land fires currently impact 12 districts and cities in Riau. Kampar and Bengkalis are suffering the most damage, with over 100 hectares of land burned, followed by Rokan Hilir, Siak, and Indragiri Hilir districts, each with over 5...