60-Year-Old Man Dies in Samarinda Land Fire

A 60-year-old man died after a forest and land fire broke out on Tuesday (13 October) in a plantation area on Jalan Anggur, Sidodadi sub-district, Samarinda, East Kalimantan. The victim, identified by the initials LJ, suffered severe burns after becoming trapped in the flames while trying to put out the fire alongside local residents.

Samarinda Ulu Police Chief AKP Asriadi Jafar said the fire began when it engulfed dry vegetation in the plantation area. Strong winds caused the flames to spread quickly. As the fire took hold, the victim and nearby residents tried to extinguish it themselves to stop it reaching residential areas.

“The victim was pronounced dead on Wednesday (14 October) after being treated at Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie Regional General Hospital in Samarinda. He had burns covering 60 per cent of his body,” Asriadi said in Samarinda on Thursday (15 October 2026).

The recovery of the victim’s body was difficult, as a joint team had to cross steep, hilly terrain covered with smouldering embers. The body was then taken to Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie Regional General Hospital for medical examination and further post-mortem procedures.

“Initial medical examinations confirmed that the victim died from severe burns and exposure to intense heat,” Asriadi said.

Samarinda Ulu Police are continuing their investigation and gathering witness statements to establish the full sequence of events. Police have again urged residents to exercise extreme caution and not to enter fire areas without protective equipment.

“People are urged to stop all forms of agricultural land-clearing by burning during the extreme dry season,” Asriadi Jafar stressed.

Initial information indicates that around 700 square metres of land burned in Sidodadi, Samarinda, on Tuesday (13 October). Authorities received information about the fire and the casualty at around 1.50pm Central Indonesia Time.

“We saw the flames suddenly grow and change direction quickly because of strong gusts at the site,” eyewitness Rusli said.

Rusli said the victim, who was on higher ground, had no time to escape when flames suddenly surrounded the area. Thick smoke billowing into the air caused him severe breathing difficulties; he then fainted and was engulfed by the fire.