Vice President inspects forest fires in Kalimantan, ensures optimal handling

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has inspected the management of forest and land fires (karhutla) in three provinces in Kalimantan to ensure that handling is proceeding optimally on the ground.

According to official statements received in Jakarta, the Vice President conducted inspections in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan; Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan; and Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan, to directly observe the progress of fire management and various field requirements.

“Fire suppression and public services must proceed simultaneously, including the fulfilment of medical needs, access to education, the availability of masks, vitamins, water, and logistics,” said the Vice President.

The Vice President emphasised that forest fires must be handled comprehensively, ensuring effective suppression while simultaneously protecting the safety and health of the community, as well as wildlife and their habitats.

The Vice President’s presence in these three regions is part of an effort to oversee all aspects of fire management to ensure they run optimally in the field, according to the specific conditions and needs of each region.

In managing forest fires, the Vice President reminded that suppression efforts must go hand-in-hand with the protection of the community, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.

The needs of affected residents, including healthcare services, education, and logistical support, must also be ensured to remain met while the fire conditions persist.

Furthermore, the Vice President stressed that fire management needs to be continuously adjusted to field conditions, including the implementation of various necessary innovations.

However, according to the Vice President, any innovation implemented must provide real, measurable benefits and continue to prioritise the safety of officers.

“Innovation must be measurable, effective, and address field needs. We must see the results of innovation on the ground. I want to know the success indicators, the safety aspects, and the needs of the officers. The important thing is that innovation assists in suppression and is used according as procedure,” added the Vice President.

One such innovation inspected by the Vice President and implemented particularly in South Kalimantan is an eco-friendly surfactant formulation for extinguishing fires on peatlands.

This innovation was developed through laboratory studies and analysis of foaming liquids, which were then reformulated to be suitable for peatland fire suppression.

The formulation helps water penetrate the peat layer while forming foam on the surface, making the cooling and extinguishing of embers beneath the surface more effective and water usage more efficient.

During testing using thermal drones, the temperature of the peat area, which initially reached approximately 130 degrees Celsius, dropped to around 30 degrees Celsius within approximately one minute after application.

While inspecting the Forest and Land Fire Management Post in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, the Vice President also expressed his apologies to the people of Kalimantan because the air quality has not yet recovered.

However, the government continues to do its best in management according to the President’s directives.

“I offer my deepest apologies to the residents of Kalimantan because the air conditions have not fully recovered. However, we will maximise our efforts and strive for the best in accordance with the President’s instructions,” said the Vice President.

Concluding his instructions, the Vice President reiterated that management must continue to be effective.

The Vice President requested that both central and regional governments strengthen coordination and ensure that every obstacle in the field has a clear and measurable follow-up.

Vigilance must also be maintained in the long term, given that El Niño conditions are expected to persist until early 2027, meaning prevention and preparedness measures need to be continuously strengthened.

“Increase vigilance as El Niño is expected to last until early 2027. Conduct more intensive prevention patrols. Strengthen coordination and embrace all elements. Ensure every field obstacle is handled quickly and measurably. Also, increase public socialisation and education,” said Vice President Gibran.