Forest fire hotspots increase sharply in Indonesia

Forest fire hotspots increased significantly in western and central parts of Indonesia on Sunday, an official with the national disaster management agency said.

A total of 288 hotspots have been detected in the two areas where the country's palm oil industry is mainly located, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the national disaster management agency said.

Up to 245 hotspots were found in Sumatra Island and the rest in Borneo Island, he said.

"Most of the fires in the hotspots were caused by those who purposely burned forests," he said.

Indonesia is home to the world's largest palm oil industry and the traditional annual slash-and-burn practice is the main cause behind the forest fires.

Such fires also hit the national park at Palalawan in Riau province of Sumatra Island, deteriorating air quality in the province, Sutopo said.

The efforts of dousing the fires are underway, involving soldiers, police, firefighters and those from local disaster agencies.

Two helicopters and two aircraft for water bombings have also been dispatched to the affected areas, he said.

Last year, the Indonesia government launched the biggest ever battle against forest fires across the country that killed 17 people, with over 22,000 soldiers and dozens of aircraft under international assistance involved.

The fires had sent thick haze to neighboring countries, triggering health problems and huge financial losses. Endit