Forest Fire Hotspots in Kalimantan Continue to Increase, Visibility Below 2 km

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) continues to record an increase in the number of hotspots for forest and land fires (karhutla), particularly in the Kalimantan region. The highest increase in hotspots has been observed significantly in West Kalimantan.

The Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, stated that the number of hotspots in West Kalimantan increased by up to 3,553 points within the last day. Currently, the number of hotspots in West Kalimantan has reached 7,377 points. Meanwhile, the number of hotspots in Central Kalimantan is recorded at 5,244 points and in South Kalimantan at 504 points.

“There is a significant increase in West Kalimantan, while in South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan, the numbers are relatively decreasing,” he said during an online press conference on Monday (31/8/2026).

Nevertheless, the number of fire spots in the three provinces has also increased. Currently, the number of fire spots in West Kalimantan is recorded at 104 points, 72 points in Central Kalimantan, and 55 points in South Kalimantan. Meanwhile, visibility in these three provinces is currently below 1-2 kilometres.