Palangka Raya Extends Forest and Land Fire Emergency Status

The Palangka Raya city government in Central Kalimantan has extended the emergency response status for forest and land fires, which was previously set to end on 10 August, now continuing until 8 September 2026. Acting Head of the Palangka Raya Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Hendrikus Satriya Budi, stated that the extension was decided jointly with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum. He explained that the decision was based on field conditions, including the still high number of fire incidents and their potential, the expanding affected areas, and the fact that hotspots are beginning to approach residential zones. In addition to the increasing intensity of the fires, the limited availability of water sources has also been a key consideration in strengthening the emergency status. Data from the Palangka Raya BPBD shows that since the emergency alert status was first declared on 1 June up to 10 August 2026, there have been 195 forest and land fire incidents. Through this extension, the city government hopes to strengthen coordination across agencies, the deployment of personnel, and logistical support. Budi also reiterated the appeal for residents not to clear land by burning and to immediately report any fires or hotspots to ensure early suppression and prevent the fires from spreading to residential areas.