BPBD Establishes 30 Field Posts to Anticipate Forest and Land Fires in Palangka Raya

Palangka Raya (ANTARA) - The Palangka Raya City Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Central Kalimantan (Kalteng), has formed 30 field posts to anticipate forest and land fire disasters (karhutla) in the local area during the 2026 dry season.

Disaster Analyst of the Palangka Raya City BPBD, Balap Sipet, in Palangka Raya on Tuesday, stated that they have also undertaken various mitigation measures, including mapping fire-prone areas across the entire city.

“We have prepared around 30 field posts (poslap) spread across the 30 sub-districts in Palangka Raya City as a form of readiness to face the potential for karhutla,” he said.

He explained that, in addition to establishing the field posts, the BPBD conducts routine patrols, socialisation, and education for the public on the dangers of karhutla, particularly ahead of the long dry season.

Balap added that the Palangka Raya City BPBD has also coordinated with several related agencies to strengthen prevention efforts. One measure to be implemented is the construction of water reservoirs or embungs in karhutla-prone areas.

“The construction of these embungs will be carried out together with the Palangka Raya City Public Works Department (Dinas PUPR). These embungs can later be used as a water source in the event of a fire,” he said.

Balap hopes that the community will play an active role in preventing karhutla by not opening land through burning and by being more attentive to the surrounding environment.