Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Emphasises Preparedness for Forest and Land Fire Management in West Kalimantan
Pontianak (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam) General TNI (Ret.) Djamari Chaniago emphasised the importance of preparedness by relevant parties to address the potential for forest and land fires (karhutla) in 2026 in Indonesia in general and West Kalimantan (Kalbar) in particular.
“The threat of fires in West Kalimantan has been evident since the beginning of the year and requires ongoing vigilance,” he said during the Forest and Land Fire Disaster Preparedness Roll Call in Pontianak on Thursday.
The roll call was also attended by West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan, Provincial Secretary Harisson, the regional leadership coordination forum, and regents/mayors across West Kalimantan.
Menko Polkam asserted that the peatland characteristics in Kalbar pose a significant challenge in managing karhutla because fires can spread underground and are difficult to fully extinguish.
In addition, based on BMKG analysis, the 2026 dry season is expected to arrive earlier with drier conditions, potentially increasing fire risks, especially in the second half of this year.
He stated that this situation indicates that the karhutla threat is comprehensive across all regencies/cities.
Meanwhile, Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Lieutenant General TNI Suharyanto emphasised the importance of anticipatory steps before fires occur through early warning systems and weather modification operations.
“BMKG has provided early warnings, and BNPB is ready to intervene through weather modification technology,” he said.
Downward trend
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni also conveyed that the karhutla trend in recent years has shown a decline due to improved cross-sectoral coordination.
Nevertheless, he urged local governments in fire-prone areas to promptly declare emergency alert status so that central government support can be operationalised more quickly, including budget and handling technology support.
“APBN support for karhutla management is unlimited. The important thing is to declare the alert status immediately,” he said.
In response, West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan affirmed the local government’s commitment to strengthening karhutla control through cross-sectoral collaboration, including with TNI, Polri, and other stakeholders.
Early detection
She mentioned that ground-level patrols through Forest Management Unit (KPH) offices are being continuously strengthened, while tightening supervision of plantation and forestry companies regarding their obligations to provide fire suppression facilities in concession areas.
She also emphasised the importance of rapid response based on early detection, especially in vulnerable areas such as Kubu Raya, Ketapang, and Sambas.
The provincial government, she said, is also accelerating the declaration of emergency alert status so that central support such as weather modification operations and “water bombing” helicopters can be optimised immediately.
“As soon as a fire hotspot is detected, the team must move immediately without waiting for the fire to grow,” she said.
Ria Norsan also urged the public to play an active role in karhutla prevention efforts because preventive measures are far more effective than handling when the fire has already spread widely.