Enviro News Asia, Pontianak — The Indonesian government has reaffirmed that forest and land fire (karhutla) prevention remains a national priority as fire risks increase this year, particularly in vulnerable regions such as West Kalimantan.
Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, stressed that prevention must become the primary strategy in tackling forest fires, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to prioritize long-term solutions and support emissions reduction targets, including Net Zero Emissions by 2060.
“We can no longer be reactive. Prevention must be at the forefront, as it is the key to controlling forest fires and contributing to emission reductions,” Hanif said.
As of early April 2026, Indonesia recorded 3,563 hotspots, showing a faster upward trend compared to previous years. Provinces such as Riau and West Kalimantan have been identified as the most vulnerable areas.
In West Kalimantan alone, 14 regencies and cities are classified as fire-prone, with 463 high-risk villages—most located in peatland areas. The province’s peatland covers approximately 2.7 million hectares, or 19 percent of its total area, increasing the risk of fire if not properly managed.
Monitoring data shows that groundwater levels in areas such as Pontianak, Singkawang, and Kubu Raya range between -80 cm and -40 cm, indicating highly flammable peat conditions. This makes water management and early preventive measures critical.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency forecasts that the peak dry season in West Kalimantan will occur between June and August 2026, prompting authorities to intensify preparedness efforts.
The government is promoting community-based prevention strategies, including public education campaigns to discourage land clearing through burning. Additional measures include canal blocking, peatland restoration, and enhanced monitoring of hotspots and weather conditions.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, also emphasized the important role of the media in raising public awareness and supporting fire prevention efforts.
Authorities are also strengthening human resources, infrastructure, and funding support to ensure rapid response capabilities. Law enforcement against illegal burning will be carried out firmly and consistently without exception.
The government underlined that forest fire control requires sustained, cross-sector collaboration to protect communities, preserve the environment, and ensure sustainable national development. (*)
