Enviro News Asia, Kubu Raya — The Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) is strengthening efforts to control peatland fires in West Kalimantan by encouraging private companies operating near fire-affected areas to build canal blocks around their concession areas.
Vice Minister of Environment/Vice Head of BPLH Diaz Hendropriyono made the call during a field inspection of peatland fires in Limbung Village, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan. He also coordinated with private companies regarding immediate firefighting measures and longer-term prevention efforts.
Canal blocking is being prioritized because peatland fires can burn deep below the surface, making conventional firefighting more difficult. By regulating and directing water into peatland areas, canal blocks can help maintain moisture levels and provide a more consistent water supply to areas vulnerable to fire.
Diaz emphasized that peatland fires cannot be addressed through a single intervention or by one institution alone. Government agencies, communities, fire prevention groups, and private companies need to work together to prevent fires from spreading and to improve preparedness at the local level.
The government has taken preventive measures through regulations prohibiting land clearing by burning, community-based fire prevention programs, and the establishment of technical units responsible for land-fire control as well as peatland and mangrove ecosystem management.
The scale of the fires in West Kalimantan has increased concerns over environmental and public health impacts. According to data from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), more than 30,000 hectares were affected by forest and land fires in the province between January and July 2026. Smoke from the fires has also affected several communities across the region.
During the visit, KLH/BPLH distributed five firefighting equipment units and 10 boxes of masks to support communities affected by the fires. PT Antam Tbk. also provided a deep-well package and five boxes of medical masks for residents in Batu Ampar Village, Kubu Raya.
The government’s approach highlights the importance of combining immediate firefighting with water management and prevention measures, particularly in peatland areas where fires can persist underground. Cooperation between government institutions, businesses and local communities is expected to strengthen early response and reduce the risk of recurring fires. (*)
