BMKG Detects 776 Hotspots in South Kalimantan, Visibility Drops Sharply

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has reported a surge in hotspots across South Kalimantan. Based on monitoring on Saturday (22/8/2026), a total of 776 hotspots were detected across various regencies, with the highest concentrations in Banjar, Tapin, and Tanah Laut regencies.

Utari Randiana, Operational Staff at the Syamsudin Noor Meteorological Station of BMKG South Kalimantan, explained that the data reflects the latest weather conditions and smoke distribution in the region. In addition to the hotspots, smoke distribution has been observed extending into neighbouring provinces.

“Based on monitoring on Friday (21/8) at 17.00 WITA, smoke distribution was detected in South Kalimantan and extended into Central Kalimantan and East Kalimantan,” Utari said in Banjarbaru on Saturday.

Atmospheric conditions show winds generally blowing from the east to southeast at speeds ranging from 5 to 15 knots. This has caused the smoke to move towards the west and north of South Kalimantan.

Meteorological reports note that smoke began to be detected from 02.00 WITA. The most significant impact was felt in the morning, when visibility dropped very sharply.

Ariansyah, Head of the Disaster Preparedness Sub-division at the South Kalimantan Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), confirmed that smoke haze has significantly blanketed several strategic locations. Severely affected areas include Banjarbaru City, the border areas of Tanah Laut, and Banjar Regency.

Satellite imagery also shows smoke distribution reaching the Banua Anam region, particularly in the western and northern parts bordering Central Kalimantan. These border areas are known to have extensive peatland, increasing the potential for fires and smoke production.

BMKG has warned that air quality in Banjarbaru has reached hazardous levels, with PM2.5 recorded at 389.4 µg/m³. Residents have been urged to wear N95 masks.