Government builds boreholes to optimise forest fire handling in Kalimantan
The government continues to optimise the handling of forest and land fires (karhutla) in the Kalimantan region, including by strengthening integrated operations and constructing boreholes.
According to Ristianto Pribadi, Head of the Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation Bureau at the Ministry of Forestry, the construction of boreholes is crucial because surface water sources for firefighting are becoming increasingly limited as dry conditions persist.
“Boreholes are needed to shorten the distance for water collection, speed up the refilling of firefighting equipment, and maintain the continuity of wetting and cooling,” he said.
He also noted that water availability is a particular concern in handling fires on peatland. Peat conditions are known to allow embers to survive beneath the surface, meaning fires can re-emerge if wetting is not carried out thoroughly.
Therefore, he said, the government has made extinguishing and cooling a key part of operations.
Regarding the strengthening of integrated forest fire control operations, he added, the government is involving various elements of government and society.
These include the Ministry of Forestry, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), BMKG, regional governments, Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), Manggala Agni, Fire Care Communities, business operators, volunteers, and the general public.
“Integrated forest and land fire control operations in Kalimantan continue to be strengthened through cross-sector collaboration, with handling adjusted based on developments in field conditions,” said Ristianto.
Operational data shows that approximately 12,880 combined personnel have been deployed across three priority provinces. A total of 1,410 personnel are serving in West Kalimantan, 10,700 in Central Kalimantan, and 770 in South Kalimantan.
Officers are conducting hotspot monitoring and responding to public reports, integrated patrols, field inspections, and ground-based firefighting. Efforts also include wetting and cooling areas, sealing off burned locations, and guarding vulnerable areas to prevent fires from re-emerging.
Coordination between parties is carried out through integrated command posts. These posts serve as centres for determining locations that require priority handling while directing personnel and equipment based on developments in the field situation.
Handling is also supported by various operational facilities, including vehicles, pumps and portable pumps, fire hoses, flexible tanks, communication equipment, and personal protective equipment.
Air support includes patrol helicopters, fixed-wing patrol aircraft, and water-bombing helicopters.