Bengkulu, Sept. 1 -- Indonesia's Forestry Ministry urged Bengkulu Province to strengthen wildfire preparedness without waiting for El Nino or an emergency, citing increased risks during the current dry period.

"We do not need to wait for certainty that El Nino will occur or for conditions to become critical before strengthening preparations," Forestry Minister's climate change adviser Haruni Krisnawati said here Tuesday.

Bengkulu is entering a period requiring greater vigilance over forest and land fires. Although monthly hotspots detected in 2026 remain relatively low, prevention remains important, she said.

Wildfires can increase significantly during dry climate conditions, including El Nino. Authorities therefore need to prepare ear...