Kapuas Designated as High-Risk Area for Forest and Land Fires

Deputy Regent of Kapuas, Central Kalimantan, Dodo stated that, based on the National Disaster Risk Assessment for 2022–2026, the regency is a high-risk area for forest and land fires (karhutla). “Therefore, preparedness and cooperation from all parties are needed in efforts to prevent and handle karhutla,” Dodo said in Kuala Kapuas on Wednesday. According to him, the overall area at risk of karhutla in the region reaches 1,443,774 hectares. This was conveyed by Dodo when officially opening the Coordination Meeting on Preparedness for Handling Karhutla Disasters in Kapuas Regency for 2026, held at the Bapperida Kapuas Office Hall. “Karhutla is not just about fire, but the haze impacts it causes can disrupt health, education, transportation, and the community’s economy. Therefore, this is our collective responsibility,” he stated. Furthermore, based on the BMKG forecast, hot spot potential is estimated to start increasing in May and peak in August 2026. In the coordination meeting, the Kapuas Regency Government emphasised several important steps, including reactivating Karhutla Alert Posts at the village and sub-district levels, increasing integrated patrols, and empowering Fire-Caring Communities (MPA). Plantation companies, timber concession holders (HPH), industrial timber plantation (HTI) companies, and mining companies were also reminded to actively protect their concession areas and surroundings from fire threats. The Kapuas Regency Government also stressed the importance of synergy between BPBD, TNI, Polri, Manggala Agni, volunteers, and all related elements under a unified karhutla handling command. In addition, education for the public on zero-burn land opening (PLTB) continues to be promoted by involving traditional leaders and religious figures. Dodo also reminded everyone to ensure that the major haze incident that occurred from 2015 to 2019 does not recur. “Let us make Kapuas Regency an example of a region that successfully suppresses karhutla rates through solid collaborative work,” Dodo concluded.