West Kalimantan Forest Fires: Minister Orders Intensified Cooling Operations

PONTIANAK - Minister of Forestry Raja Antoni has ordered a significant intensification of fire suppression and cooling operations for the ongoing forest and land fires in West Kalimantan. He stressed that a decrease in the number of hotspots does not eliminate the threat of smoke, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive measures. During a review of the fire location in Kuala Dua Village, Kubu Raya Regency, Minister Antoni told Manggala Agni personnel, the Ministry of Forestry's fire suppression unit, that "a massive movement to do cooling is necessary. This is now being done cooling." The review observed the extinguishing and cooling process carried out by Manggala Agni and a joint team. Data from the Ministry of Forestry's Sipongi Forest Fire Monitoring System shows fluctuating hotspot numbers in West Kalimantan in recent days. On August 31, 272 hotspots were recorded, which then increased to 859 on September 1, before decreasing again to 268 the following day. However, Minister Antoni warned that a reduction in hotspots does not necessarily signify the end of the problem. Fires that have been extinguished may no longer be readable in the monitoring system, but smoke can still persist. "The fire is not read as a hotspot in Sipongi, but that does not mean that there is no smoke. You see for yourself, there is no hotspot here anymore but the smoke continues to exist," he stated, pointing to the ongoing situation. Therefore, he urged Manggala Agni, the Ministry of Forestry, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and all related elements to not only focus on reducing hotspot numbers but also to strengthen cooling operations. He noted that haze conditions are still visible in several areas, including Pontianak, indicating that forest fire handling in West Kalimantan requires serious attention. The government will continue to monitor the development of hotspot numbers and visibility to determine the next steps for handling. "Tonight we will monitor the number of hotspots and their visibility again. The condition of West Kalimantan is not good," he expressed concern. He emphasized that the reduction in hotspot numbers must be followed by continuous extinguishing and cooling efforts to prevent fires from reappearing and to promptly control the impact of smoke on the community. Source: VOI English