Central Kalimantan Declares Emergency Response Status for Forest and Land Fires
The Central Kalimantan Provincial Government has declared an emergency response status for forest and land fire disasters (Karhutla), effective from 31 August until 29 September 2026.
“With this emergency response status, it will be easier for us to coordinate security tasks and disaster management,” said the Governor of Central Kalimantan, Agustiar Sabran, in Palangka Myanmar on Tuesday.
The status was established through the Central Kalimantan Governor’s Decree Number 100.3.3.1/230/2026, dated 31 August 2026. Additionally, Governor’s Decree Number 100.3.3.1/231/2026 was issued regarding the Command Post for the 2026 Central Kalimantan Province Forest and Land Fire Emergency Response.
He explained that the status upgrade was implemented as an acceleration measure following the increased potential and impact of forest and land fires in several regions of Central Kalimantan. Facing these conditions, it is necessary to strengthen inter-agency coordination and optimise the deployment of personnel and equipment, including facilitating the mobilisation of resources to support field operations.
With the declaration of this emergency status, the provincial government, alongside district and city governments, the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), Polri (National Police), BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency), and other relevant parties, can further strengthen mitigation efforts, ranging from firefighting and managing smoke impacts to prevention efforts to ensure fires do not spread further.
To support field operations, several pieces of equipment assistance have been received, including 10 excavators, approximately 100 fire engines, water hoses, and other supporting gear. The Central Kalimantan Provincial Government continues to coordinate regarding additional support from the central government and other parties.
According to data from the Central Kalimantan Forest and Land Fire Emergency Response Command Post as of 31 August 2026, there have been 2,285 recorded fire incidents, covering a total area of 6,587.84 hectares.