Enviro News Asia, Banjarbaru — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has called on Forest Utilization Business License (PBPH) holders to strengthen preparedness and coordination to prevent and control forest and land fires (karhutla) in South Kalimantan.
The call comes as monitoring data recorded 502.89 hectares of forest and land burned within PBPH areas between January and July 2026, highlighting the need for stronger early prevention and rapid response measures.
According to the Ministry’s daily SIPONGI monitoring using NOAA-20 (VIIRS) satellite data, 180 hotspots with high-to-medium confidence levels were detected across South Kalimantan on August 24. The hotspots were distributed across several districts, including Banjar, Barito Kuala, Hulu Sungai Selatan, Hulu Sungai Tengah, Hulu Sungai Utara, Banjarbaru, Kotabaru and Tabalong.
Of the 180 detected hotspots, 15, or 8.33 percent, were located within PBPH areas, while the remaining 165 hotspots, or 91.67 percent, were outside PBPH areas.
The 15 hotspots inside PBPH areas were recorded at PT Borneo Indo Tani and PT Inhutani I Unit Riam Kiwa in Banjar; PT Dwima Intiga in Tapin; PT Inni Joa in Tanah Bumbu; and PT Inhutani I Unit Pelaihari. The relevant PBPH holders have been notified to follow up on the findings.
The Ministry emphasized that satellite-detected hotspots are early indicators of surface temperature anomalies and do not automatically confirm the occurrence of a forest or land fire. Ground verification is therefore necessary to establish actual conditions and determine the appropriate response.
The daily monitoring system is being used as an early warning mechanism, enabling hotspots to be checked promptly through field verification before any potential fire spreads.
The Banjarbaru Region XI Sustainable Forest Management Agency (BPHL) is strengthening fire preparedness in PBPH areas through daily hotspot monitoring, watchtower patrols, emergency posts, personnel and firefighting equipment readiness, integrated patrols, ground checks, firefighting operations when fires are detected, warning signs and public awareness campaigns.
The Ministry stressed that forest and land fire prevention requires cooperation among central and local governments, Forest Management Units (KPH), PBPH holders, holders of Forest Area Use Approval (PPKH), and local communities.
Through early detection, rapid response, adequate personnel and equipment, field verification and stronger coordination, authorities aim to reduce the risk of forest and land fires while protecting forests, the environment, public health and community activities in South Kalimantan. (*)
