DPR RI member urges stronger forest and land fire mitigation for public safety
Samarinda (ANTARA) - Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Hetifah Sjaifudian, has urged the government to strengthen mitigation of forest and land fires (karhutla) in several regions of Kalimantan for the safety of all, not only humans but also to protect the environment.
To that end, mitigation through education for all elements on prevention so that fires do not occur, as well as handling at locations where forest and land fires have occurred, must be strengthened by involving cross-sectoral cooperation.
“The development of forest and land fires in recent days shows that this issue cannot be seen merely as a forest fire problem, but has become a disaster threat that directly impacts the safety, health, and activities of the community,” said Hetifah when contacted from Samarinda on Friday.
Data from the Ministry of Forestry shows a significant increase in hotspots in West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan. On 19 August 2026, 518 hotspots with high confidence were recorded in the three provinces.
This condition is also occurring in East Kalimantan (Kaltim). Based on data from the East Kalimantan Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) as of 19 August, 413 forest and land fire points were recorded, with the total area of burned land and forest reaching 936.95 hectares. In West Kutai Regency alone, there are 72 forest and land fire locations with a burned area reaching 415.51 hectares.
“As a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the East Kalimantan electoral district, I am of course very concerned. East Kalimantan is also facing an increase in forest and land fires. We must not wait until the impact becomes even greater; all relevant parties must move quickly,” she stressed.
She also appreciated the government’s steps in deploying joint personnel, strengthening ground firefighting, using water bombing, and carrying out weather modification operations. However, according to her, these efforts must go hand in hand with community protection strategies.
On the other hand, regional governments were reminded to ensure the readiness of health facilities, the availability of appropriate masks, air quality information, and special protection for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and communities with health vulnerabilities.
Hetifah also asked the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) together with BPBD to strengthen the command and coordination system in areas experiencing an increase in forest and land fires. Every detected hotspot must be immediately verified and followed up so that it does not develop into a wider fire.
“As a member of Commission VIII from East Kalimantan, I will continue to remind and bridge coordination between the central and regional governments so that handling is carried out quickly, based on data, and the safety of residents is the priority,” said Hetifah.