West Kalimantan Declares State of Emergency for Forest Fires Until November

West Kalimantan, Indonesia has announced the extension of its state of emergency due to forest fires (Karhutla) until November. This declaration is a measure to strengthen the response to the worsening forest fires in the region. Forest fires, particularly frequent during the dry season, pose a serious problem, impacting air quality, ecosystems, and economic activities. Kalimantan Island, with its extensive peatlands, is prone to fires that can be difficult to extinguish once ignited, leading to widespread effects. The provincial government plans to enhance firefighting personnel, secure resources for suppression efforts, and intensify public awareness campaigns under the state of emergency. Forest fires are often attributed to land clearing for agriculture, highlighting the importance of sustainable land use and fire prevention measures. Source: CNN Indonesia