Four Forest Concession Holders in West Kalimantan Tested for Fire Readiness
Four companies holding Forest Utilisation Business Permits (PBPH) in West Kalimantan have been inspected for their readiness to prevent and control forest and land fires (karhutla) ahead of the dry season and the potential increase in fire risk due to El Niño.
The compliance monitoring was carried out by the Kalimantan Regional Forest Law Enforcement Office (Gakkum Kehutanan), Directorate General of Forest Law Enforcement, from 10 to 14 August 2026.
“What we tested was not only the existence of facilities, but whether the company’s fire control system actually works when needed,” said Leonardo Gultom, Head of the Kalimantan Regional Gakkum Kehutanan Office, on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
The four companies are PT WEL in Ketapang Regency, PT FI in Sanggau Regency, PT MPK, and PT WSP in Ketapang Regency.
The inspection was conducted directly at the companies’ concession areas by checking the readiness of facilities and infrastructure, personnel, and the fire prevention and control systems owned by each permit holder.
He detailed that the aspects examined included lookout towers, canal blocks, water reservoirs and water sources, firefighting equipment, the readiness of fire control teams, and early detection and response systems for potential hotspots.
The monitoring was carried out in an integrated manner together with the West Kalimantan Provincial Environment and Forestry Service (DLHK), the Sustainable Forest Management Office (BPHL) Region X Pontianak, and the Kalimantan Regional Forest Fire Control Office.
Leonardo said that PBPH holders are not enough merely to have fire control documents or facilities, but must ensure that all systems can function optimally when a potential fire occurs.
“Lookout towers, water sources, canal blocks, equipment, and fire control teams must be ready. This monitoring also serves as a warning to all companies to take their areas seriously during the forest fire-prone period,” he said.
He added that companies that fail to fulfil their obligations or do not comply with provisions related to forest and land fire prevention and control may be subject to administrative sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations.
“Do not wait for a fire to occur before making improvements,” he said.
The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) continues to strengthen forest and land fire prevention through corporate compliance monitoring, early detection, personnel and facility readiness, patrols, and collaboration between government, businesses and the community.