Indonesia fighting fires in Kalimantan, Sumatra

Indonesia is stepping up efforts to combat forest and land fires in West Kalimantan, said its National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

BNPB chief Suharyanto said satellite data had detected persistent hotspots in the province, which borders Malaysia.

With a heightened risk of transboundary pollution, he said tackling the fire is a national priority.

“Forest and land fires are a strategic issue and a concern of President (Prabowo Subianto). This must be a shared priority,” he said, according to a BNPB statement.

On Friday, Suharyanto, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, and West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan surveyed the region by helicopter before attending a coordination meeting in Pontianak.

As of May 31, 2025, some 1,149ha had been affected, with Ketapang Regency the worst-hit area, according to provincial data.

BNPB pledged continued support, including firefighting equipment, cloud seeding, and the deployment of a Cessna Caravan aircraft and water-bombing helicopters.

BNPB also reported fires in Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra, affecting over 200ha, especially in Nagari Lubuak Layang, Rao Selatan district.

Pasaman’s Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) observed a fire line stretching 15km, and was actively fighting the fires with the help of other relevant agencies.

Hanif urged strict legal action against those responsible, calling on the military and police not to hesitate in enforcing the law and ensuring that land clearing by burning does not continue.

- Bernama

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