Indonesia Intensifies Efforts to Contain Forest and Land Fires in Central Kalimantan
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has directed the government to intensify efforts to combat forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan, with a focus on containing existing fires, preventing their spread and stopping the emergence of new hotspots.
President Prabowo chaired a coordination meeting at the Central Kalimantan Forest and Land Fire Command Post in Palangka Raya on Saturday, where he received updates on the situation and operational requirements for firefighting activities on the ground.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the President had reaffirmed that government support for firefighting operations would continue to be strengthened. As part of the enhanced response, the government ordered the deployment of four additional water-bombing helicopters to assist efforts to extinguish the fires.
Fire engines and other equipment are also being deployed, while supplies of pumps, water pipes and drilled-well machines are being expanded to ensure adequate water availability at fire-affected locations.
The government is simultaneously strengthening preventive measures, including improving the readiness of field personnel to contain active fires and prevent the emergence of additional hotspots.
According to data from Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, forest and land fires affected 7,634.46 hectares in Central Kalimantan between January 1 and August 1, 2026. The affected area was lower than that recorded during the corresponding period last year, which officials attributed to strengthened preparedness and mitigation measures.
President Prabowo expressed optimism that the fires would soon be brought under control. The government has also pledged to take firm legal action against individuals or entities found to have deliberately started forest or land fires.
The intensified response underscores Indonesia’s efforts to combine immediate firefighting operations with preventive measures and enforcement action to address recurring forest and land fires in the country.
