Indonesia is preparing for a severe and extended dry season in 2026, with forest and land fires already escalating, potentially worsened by an El Nino event predicted to develop in the latter half of the year. Riau province has declared an emergency alert due to a doubling of fires, which have already consumed 2,713 hectares by March 24, prompting water bombing and cloud seeding operations. Central Kalimantan and the Riau Islands are also experiencing an increase in fire hotspots, leading to preventative measures and public awareness campaigns against land burning. Authorities are requesting more aerial resources to combat the blazes, recalling the severe haze incidents of 2013 and 2015.