Environment Minister warns of prolonged dry season threat triggering forest and land fires in West Kalimantan
West Kalimantan will face a longer dry season. This is not just an annual cycle, but could pose a serious threat if not anticipated early.
Pontianak (ANTARA) - The Minister of Environment (LH)/Head of the Environment Control Agency (BPLH) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has warned of the threat of a prolonged dry season in West Kalimantan (Kalbar) in 2026, predicted to last longer than usual and potentially triggering forest and land fires (karhutla).
“West Kalimantan will face a longer dry season. This is not just an annual cycle, but could pose a serious threat if not anticipated early,” said Environment Minister Hanif during a working visit to Rasau Jaya Umum Village, Rasau Jaya Subdistrict, Kubu Raya Regency, on Friday.
He stated that the peak of the dry season is estimated to occur from July to September 2026, with rainfall predicted to be one of the lowest in the last three decades.
“At the peak of the dry season around July, we will face the lowest rainfall in the last 30 years. This must be anticipated from now,” said Environment Minister Hanif.
“That data will be conveyed to BMKG and BNPB to build artificial rain. As long as there are cloud seeds, this must be utilised,” said the Environment Minister.
During the visit, Minister Hanif also inspected the Independent Peat-Caring Village Programme (DMPG) and the Fire-Caring Community (MPA), and held a dialogue with farmer groups in Sumber Rezeki Village.
He emphasised that prevention efforts must be the forefront in controlling karhutla, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives to reduce emissions and achieve the Net Zero Emission (NZE) target by 2060.
He also reminded all fire-prone areas to increase preparedness, given the trend of increasing hotspots until early April 2026 occurring faster than in previous years, with Riau and West Kalimantan being the most vulnerable regions.
“Do not let karhutla occur. All parties must be vigilant and act together,” said Environment Minister Hanif.
In addition to the karhutla issue, he highlighted waste management, which he assessed needs to transform immediately towards a more modern and sustainable system.
He affirmed that starting in 2026, there should be no more open dumping practices without further processing.
“In 2026, there should be no more open dumping waste management. Regions must start shifting to better systems,” said Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq.