Difficult Access and Water Shortages Hamper Forest and Land Firefighting in Kalimantan

Manggala Agni, part of the Ministry of Forestry, has outlined the challenges it faces in tackling forest and land fires in Kalimantan.

Despite these obstacles, Yudo Shekti Mutiko, head of the Kalimantan Regional Forest and Land Fire Control Office, said firefighting efforts were continuing, even as crews faced various challenges in the field.

“Firefighting is continuing. The Minister has also tasked us with forming Fire Awareness Communities (MPA) and involving local people in firefighting activities,” Yudo said, according to a written statement on Sunday (11/0).

Yudo said one of the main challenges was access. Not every fire site is easy to reach, but crews are still trying to get there, including by water. Aerial firefighting is not always an option when conditions do not permit it.

“The main challenge is access; it is extremely difficult. We cannot reach every location. But even when sites are hard to reach, we keep trying. If we have to go by water, we do that too,” he said.

Water shortages caused by the dry season are another challenge. Manggala Agni has therefore developed bore wells from the outset as one solution for firefighting in locations where water is difficult to obtain.

Yudo stressed that these obstacles would not stop the firefighting effort. Crews continue to work in the field, including at night, to tackle the fires.

“There are difficulties, but that does not mean we are not making an effort; we keep at it. The team works not only during the day but at night as well,” he said.

Yudo said Manggala Agni would remain at its posts carrying out firefighting duties, despite the risks to its personnel’s safety.

“If others withdraw, Manggala Agni will stay, even with the risk to their safety. They will keep doing the work,” he said.