Forest and Land Fire Hotspots in East Kalimantan Rise to 72 Points
The number of hotspots for forest and land fires (karhutla) in East Kalimantan has continued to increase in recent days. The Minister of Forestry noted that the number of hotspots has risen from 41 to 72 points.
“We must be cautious in East Kalimantan, as the number of hotspots is increasing day by day. From 41, to 44, to 58, and yesterday, now 72,” stated Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni during a Coordination Meeting on Forest Fire Management in East Kalimantan on Monday (14/9).
He emphasised that this increase should serve as a warning for all parties to heighten vigilance. Although not all hotspots are confirmed as active fire spots, their presence necessitates field inspections. “Even though a hotspot does not always result in a fire spot, it still needs to be checked on the ground. However, this trend certainly serves as a warning to us,” he said.
Based on government monitoring, the largest number of hotspots is located in Berau Regency, which increased from 16 to 25 points. Meanwhile, in Paser Regency, the number of hotspots decreased from 16 to 15, while in Kutai Kartanegara, it rose from 11 to 15.
Raja Juli requested all parties to increase supervision of areas and lands in East Kalimantan. He expressed hope that this increase would not develop into more extensive fires. “All parties must go into the field to be more careful and protect our areas and lands,” he said.
The government is also encouraging East Kalimantan to serve as an example in controlling forest fires. The land conditions in East Kalimantan are considered relatively different from the six priority provinces for forest fires, most of which consist of peatlands. “Nevertheless, this should not make us complacent or unwatchful. On the contrary, East Kalimantan must become a good model,” he added.
He hopes that the handling efforts by all parties can suppress fires until there are no longer any forest fire hotspots in East Kalimantan. Joint teams have been extinguishing four hotspots in Gunung Tabur and Tanjung Batu, Berau, to prevent fires from spreading to residential areas.
Minister Raja Antoni emphasised that the government continues to address forest fires but requested all elements of society to play their part amidst the conditions of a very strong El Niño. The number of forest fire hotspots in Indonesia has decreased to 946 points. The Ministry of Forestry continues to strengthen management in 60 active fire locations, particularly in Kalimantan.
The decrease in hotspots is not only due to ground operations but is also supported by collaborative efforts involving the TNI, Polri, Manggala Agni, BPBD, BNPB, and volunteers.