The government is strengthening preventive measures to suppress the\nrising risk of forest and land fires (karhutla) this year. This strategy\nis seen as key to addressing karhutla more permanently while reducing\nemissions.<\/p>\n
A preventive approach has been chosen so that handling is no longer\nreactive, especially in vulnerable areas such as Riau and West\nKalimantan, which are showing a rapid surge in hotspots.<\/p>\n
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that prevention must\nbe the top priority in controlling karhutla. \u201cWe can no longer be\nreactive; prevention must be the frontline defence because that is the\nkey to controlling karhutla as well as making a real contribution to\nreducing emissions,\u201d said Hanif.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Environment has recorded 3,563 hotspots in Indonesia\nup to early April 2026. This figure indicates an increasing trend\ncompared to the previous year, particularly in vulnerable areas.<\/p>\n
In West Kalimantan, there are 14 regencies and cities prone to\nkarhutla with 463 high-risk villages. Most are located in peat areas\nthat are highly susceptible to burning.<\/p>\n
The peat area in this region covers around 2.7 million hectares, or\n19 percent of the province\u2019s total area. This condition heightens the\npotential for fires if not anticipated early.<\/p>\n
Groundwater level monitoring shows vulnerable conditions in several\nareas such as Pontianak, Singkawang, and Kubu Raya with levels between\nminus 80 and minus 40 centimetres. This indicates that peat is easily\ncombustible.<\/p>\n
The government considers water management and early prevention as\ncrucial steps to suppress fire risks. Moreover, the Meteorology,\nClimatology, and Geophysics Agency predicts the dry season peak will\noccur from June to August 2026.<\/p>\n
Preventive measures are being strengthened through a community-based\napproach and local wisdom, including education to avoid opening land by\nburning. These efforts are also supported by canal blocking construction\nand peat revitalisation.<\/p>\n
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari\nChaniago emphasised the media\u2019s role in building public awareness. \u201cI\nhope that all media personnel will continue to help build public\nawareness about the dangers of fires, the importance of not opening land\nby burning, and the importance of immediately reporting any fire points\nor smoke found,\u201d stressed Djamari.<\/p>\n
In addition, readiness of human resources, facilities,\ninfrastructure, and financing continues to be strengthened to ensure\nrapid response on the ground. Strict law enforcement against arson\nperpetrators will also be carried out.<\/p>\n
The government asserts that controlling karhutla requires consistent\ncross-sector collaboration. These efforts are important to protect the\npublic while maintaining environmental sustainability.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/thousands-of-hotspots-emerge-government-on-high-alert-1776343884", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }