Forest Fires in West Kotawaringin Threaten Masoraian Community Forest

Forest and land fires (karhutla) along the Pangkalan Bun - Kotawaringin Lama (Kolam) highway in West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, have begun to threaten the existence of the Masoraian Community Forest (HKm).

“The spreading fire is a major concern for us, especially as the blaze has approached the Masoraian Community Forest area,” stated the Regent of West Kotawaringin, Nurhidayah, in Pangkalan Bun on Friday.

The Masoraian Community Forest is a state forest area home to various species of flora and fauna, the existence of which is now endangered by the ongoing fires.

As a result of the fires along the Pangkalan Bun - Kolam route, approximately 400 hectares of land have been burnt.

According to the Regent, field task forces are continuously issuing warnings, particularly for motorists travelling between KM 14 and KM 22 of the highway. Residents and travellers are urged to be cautious, as smoke from the fires has reduced visibility to just two metres, creating a high risk of traffic accidents.

Nurhidayah stated that the local government will continue to maximise all available resources to tackle the current fire situation. Furthermore, the Regent emphasised the need for involvement from all parties, particularly the local community, to assist in managing the developing crisis.

“The community is expected to play a role in guarding their territory and to immediately report any hotspots found so that prompt action can be taken,” she added.

Based on recapitulation data from the West Kotawaringin Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the total area affected by forest and land fires has now reached 2,141.430 hectares.