Beware of September Disasters: BMKG Issues New Warning
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has urged the public to increase vigilance against the threat of forest and land fires (karhutla) that continue to shadow several regions in Indonesia, with a primary focus on the provinces of West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan.
According to an official announcement via the @infobmkg Instagram account, atmospheric conditions dominated by dry weather due to a very strong El Niño phenomenon, a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) index, and the peak of the dry season have triggered a significant escalation in the potential for forest and land fires.
“The potential for forest and land fires may continue until September-October 2026. BMKG, together with stakeholders, continues to conduct OMC to support the handling of forest and land fires,” wrote BMKG, as quoted on Sunday (13/9/2026).
As a mitigation measure, BMKG advises residents in areas severely affected by haze to limit outdoor activities, remain disciplined in wearing protective masks, and increase vigilance when driving amidst limited visibility.
Air Quality in Pontianak Paralyzed, AQI Reaches 483
These concerns are not without reason. Haze disasters caused by forest and land fires have now hit several regions on Kalimantan Island, triggering a drastic decline in air quality to levels that endanger public health.
Based on Air Quality Index (AQI+) data on Sunday (1s/9/2026), West Kalimantan was recorded as one of the areas with the worst pollution levels amidst ongoing emergency firefighting operations being carried out by joint teams in the field.
Pontianak City holds the worst record. Referring to monitoring on the IQAir website at 09:13 WIB, the AQI+ value in Pontianak breached the staggering figure of 483, making it the highest compared to any other region.
The encirclement of toxic air due to thick smoke has also spread to various surrounding areas. Terentang recorded an AQI+ level of 420, followed by Mempawah (214), Sintang (191), Manismata (173), and Bengkayang (154). Amidst the surrounding pollution, Sambas Regency was recorded as the only area with relatively cleaner air conditions in the province, with an AQI+ value of 80.
Based on monitoring from the same digital platform, active hotspots were observed still burning and remain a priority task for officers in Melawi Regency, West Kalimantan.