South Kalimantan Provincial Government Involves PPKH Holders to Prevent Forest and Land Fires

Banjarmasin (ANTARA) - The South Kalimantan (Kalsel) Provincial Forestry Service is involving companies holding Forest Area Utilisation Agreements (PPKH) to carry out prevention and control of forest and land fires (karhutla). Head of the Forest and Land Fire Control Section at the South Kalimantan Provincial Forestry Service, Bambang Marwanto, stated that preparedness is the main key in facing the dry season, which is expected to start in May and peak from August to October 2026. He emphasised that all means and infrastructure for karhutla control, such as hoses, water pumps, firefighting tools, and other supporting equipment, must be ensured to be in ready-to-use condition. This year’s dry conditions are predicted to last around seven months with weak to moderate El Niño levels. Nevertheless, all parties are expected to continue increasing vigilance and optimal preparedness. Head of Tahura Sultan Adam, Ainun Jariah, said the activity was packaged in a coordination meeting to enhance preparedness for the dry season. “To all PPKH holders, always maintain and manage river basin rehabilitation sites (rehab DAS) in accordance with the established responsibilities,” she said. She hopes this coordination meeting will become an important momentum to strengthen synergy and cross-sector coordination, especially in facing the potential for a long dry season.