Forests in Indonesia Are Still Burning
Several weeks have passed, yet residents in a number of parts of Indonesia are still struggling with thick smoke caused by forest fires. The disaster is not only raising concerns about its long-term effects on health, but is also putting pressure on local economic activity.
As of Monday (12 October), residents were still complaining about forest fires near their homes. Thick smoke and even burning branches flying through the air could be seen in social media posts.
In Bangka Belitung, a family had to be evacuated by a search and rescue team after becoming trapped by thick smoke and a forest fire near their home. According to detikcom, the incident began when peatland near the family’s home caught fire. Strong winds caused the blaze to grow, forcing residents of Simpang Rimba sub-district to flee. While assisting with the evacuation, the SAR team found a family trapped in a hut amid the dense smoke.
In Central Kalimantan, attention has focused on volunteers rescuing orangutans in Tanjung Puting National Park. According to detikKalimantan, fires in the area were approaching from two directions, the west and the south. Footage of the frightening scene, recorded on camera, has spread widely online and was confirmed by National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto.
What is the latest situation at several locations across Indonesia affected by forest fires? detikcom journalists report from various regions.
In addition to the forest fires, detikSore will take a closer look at conditions in South Sumatra, which has recently been hit by flash floods. Two sub-districts were reportedly the worst affected: Koto Tengah and Karanji. Many residents became trapped after access routes were cut off.
The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and SAR teams are currently searching the area and focusing on evacuating trapped residents. What is the latest situation in the two areas, and is there a risk of further flooding? detikcom journalists report directly from Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra.
Later this afternoon, detikSore will return to Jakarta to see how residents are making creative use of space in densely populated neighbourhoods by turning it into sports facilities. Rival Anwar, the person behind Jakarta Militan Fight, is also recruiting young people in East Jakarta and giving them an outlet for their energy in the ring.
Through this initiative, Rival hopes to encourage former participants in street brawls and street-connected young people to pursue achievement in combat sports. What was the long road Rival took to help ordinary young people become successful fighters? Meet Rival Anwar on detikSore!