East Kotawaringin extends forest and land fire emergency response for 20 days
The East Kotawaringin Regency administration in Central Kalimantan has extended its forest and land fire emergency status by 20 days, until 15 September 2026, taking into account field conditions and weather patterns.
“We agreed to extend the emergency status that was due to end on 26 August, while we continue to evaluate the situation,” said East Kotawaringin Regent Halikinnor in Sampit on Tuesday.
According to reports from the East Kotawaringin Forest and Land Fire and Drought Command Post, the number of fire incidents in the area continues to rise. In addition, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has reported that temperatures remain high and weather conditions are expected to remain conducive to fires until mid-September.
Meanwhile, Deputy Daily Commander III of the East Kotawaringin Forest and Land Fire and Drought Command Post, Rihel, said the emergency status extension runs from 27 August to 15 September 2026.
“The extension of the emergency status runs from 27 August to 15 September, so 20 days. But we will evaluate it again later, whether it needs to be extended further or not,” Rihel said.
He explained that the evaluation will look at the development of fires and weather conditions. This is important because, based on BMKG forecasts, the peak of the dry season in East Kotawaringin is still ongoing until September.
Seranau District is one of the areas with the largest burned area, at more than 703 hectares. Meanwhile, the highest number of incidents was recorded in Mentawa Baru Ketapang District, with 202 incidents.
The threat of forest and land fires is also reflected in the high accumulation of hotspots. From January to 23 August 2026, 7,893 hotspots were recorded across all districts in East Kotawaringin.
Rihel said the number of hotspots is approaching the 2019 level, when around 10,000 hotspots were recorded. That year was one of the most severe for forest and land fires in East Kotawaringin.