Dayak Customary Council Urges Customary Officials to Strengthen Forest and Land Fire Supervision
Extreme drought conditions persisting in several regions of Kalimantan have increased the risk of forest and land fires (karhutla). The National Dayability Customary Council (MADN) has requested that the community and customary officials strengthen prevention measures to anticipate widespread fires and the impact of haze on public health.
This urge was conveyed by the President of MADN, Marthin Billa, through MADN Appeal Letter Number 566/MADN/S-I/VIII/2026. In the letter, MADN requested the ranks of the Dayak Customary Council (DAD) at various levels to increase forest and land fire prevention in their respective territories.
One of the emphasised steps is the prohibition of discarding cigarette butts carelessly, especially in forest areas and dry lands. “It is strictly forbidden to discard cigarette butts while they are still lit,” stated one point in the appeal letter, as reported on Tuesday (1/9/2026).
Marthin stated that emergency haze conditions and extreme drought have plagued the Kalimantan region for almost the last six months. These conditions have the potential to cause forest and land damage as well as threaten public health.
MADN also requested that the community cease open waste burning, particularly around dry vegetation. Such activities are deemed capable of triggering sparks that can spread when land conditions are extremely dry.
Furthermore, all activities involving the burning of forests, land, or shrubbery are requested to be halted while extreme drought and haze disasters continue.
To strengthen prevention at the community level, MADN has asked customary officials to increase supervision in their respective areas. Temenggung, Damang, Domong, and other customary heads are requested to ensure that prevention measures are effectively implemented.
MADN also encourages measures against parties proven to have caused fires through customary law mechanisms, in accordance with the applicable provisions in each respective region.
In addition to field prevention, Marthin encouraged spiritual efforts to face the drought conditions. Temenggung, customary heads, and Dayak spiritual leaders are requested to hold customary rituals to pray for rain according to their respective traditions.
MADN also invited the community to conduct interfaith prayers. These prayers are directed to Almighty God according to each religion and belief, with the hope that rain will fall soon and the haze disaster will end.
“Strengthen your faith and simultaneously offer prayers to Almighty God so that blessed rain is sent down and this haze disaster ends immediately,” said Marthin.