BNPB ensures coordinated action for Central Kalimantan wildfires
BNPB Head Suharyanto said in a statement here in Jakarta on Friday that strengthening synergy is aimed at preventing further spread of the fires, which have already scorched thousands of hectares in the province.
According to the latest data, burned areas in Central Kalimantan have reached 3,069.52 hectares. This places the province high on the priority list for emergency response, given that much of its terrain consists of peatland, which is highly vulnerable to catching fire.
Suharyanto emphasised that swift action to address wildfires is a direct instruction from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, calling on all ranks of ministries, agencies, the Indonesian National Army (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and regional governments to move in unison.
“The BNPB, as an agency mandated to lead operations during emergency response and preparedness states, is stepping directly onto the ground to ensure optimal forest and land fire handling in Central Kalimantan,” he said.
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The expedited measures are also designed to mitigate the potential impact of the peak of the El Nino phenomenon, which the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts will occur between August and September 2026.
In response to the potential rise of hot spots, Suharyanto said the importance of maximising joint operations across both land and air task forces. Alongside direct response efforts, weather modification operations will be bolstered with additional aircraft to optimise rainmaking.
Currently, air task force support in Central Kalimantan includes two patrol helicopters, three water-bombing helicopters, and one caravan aircraft for weather modification.
He added the existing potential for rain cloud growth in the region will be fully utilised before the dry season reaches its peak.
Several prone areas that have been prioritised for firefighting are located in Tumbang Nusa, Pulang Pisau District, as well as in Kameloh Baru, Palangka Raya City.
The comprehensive efforts align with the emergency alert status for forest and land fires declared by the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government, effective from May 26 to October 31, 2026.
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Translator: M Riezko, Raka Adji