Central Kalimantan Governor Declares Emergency Response for Forest and Land Fires until 29 September
The Central Kalimantan Provincial Government has declared an emergency response status for forest and land fires (karhutla), spanning from 31 August to 29 September 2026.
“With this emergency response status, it will be easier for us to coordinate security tasks and disaster management,” said Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran in Palangka Raya on Tuesday (1/9), as reported by Antara.
The status was established through 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 Forest and Land Fire Emergency Response in Central Kalimantan Province for 2026.
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 areas 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 regency and municipal 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 the fires do not spread further.
To support field operations, several pieces of equipment have already 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.