Smoke from Forest Fires Reappears in Nusantara Capital Region
Smoke resulting from forest and land fires (karhutla) was once again visible in the Nusantara Capital (IKN) area on Monday (14/9). Furthermore, active flames were also observed.
This was confirmed during an inspection conducted by the Minister of Forestry, Raja Antoni, alongside the Head of BNPB, Lieutenant General TNI Suharyanto, and the Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), Basuki Hadimuljono, at Bukit Tengkorak on Monday (14/9).
The smoke and fire became visible as the delegation finished inspecting two specific locations. While continuing their journey, rising plumes of white smoke were spotted.
The group halted immediately to inspect the site. Raja Antoni subsequently summoned several members of the Ministry of Forestry’s Manggala Agni, as well as TNI and Polri personnel on duty in the vicinity.
“It is burning again. Where is Manggala Agni? Go down and bring your colleagues. There is smoke again,” said Raja Antoni, as quoted from a written statement on Monday.
“Please coordinate the deployment of Manggala Agni, TNI, and Polri. Find the nearest route,” he added.
Raja Antoni also requested the Head of the Kalimantan Forest Fire Control Office, Yudo Shekti Mustiko, to continuously monitor the firefighting process and the fire’s condition.
“Monitor the fire again, sir. For the smaller flames, Manggala Agni should tackle them collectively. It is smoking again; continue extinguishing it while it is still small,” he said.
Raja Antoni stated that, following orders from President Prabowo Subianto, the government—alongside the TNI, Polri, BNPB, the Ministry of Forestry, OIKN, local governments, and the community—is working hand-in-hand to handle the forest fires in the region. These efforts are being undertaken to ensure that the fire does not reach the core zone of the IKN.
“As instructed by President Prabowo Subianto, all of us—TNI, Polri, BNPB, Ministry of Forestry, OIKN, the community, and Local Government—are working together so that the fire does not reach the core zone of the OIKN,” he remarked.
Raja Antoni noted that the response involves several simultaneous measures. He stated that water bombing operations are ongoing, while Weather Modification Operations (OMC) are also being implemented to support fire management.
Additionally, ground-based firefighting involves the TNI, Polri, the Ministry of Forestry’s Manggala Agni, the Forest Management Unit (KPH), OIKN, and private companies.
“Water bombing efforts are continuing; the Head of BNPB will provide an update later today. Weather modification operations are also underway. Similarly, ground-based firefighting is being carried out by the TNI, Polri, Manggala Agni, KPH, OIKN, and involved companies,” he said.
Furthermore, Raja Antoni added that the management of forest fires in East Kalimantan also covers several other areas with high hotspot counts, including Berau, Paser, and Kutai Kartanegara, which continue to show high levels of activity.