Jakarta, MINA – Forest and land fires in West Papua have scorched approximately 2,496 hectares and begun affecting activities around national vital objects. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has recorded at least 35 hot spots and eight fire points still being monitored in the region.
Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Berton SP Panjaitan, stated on Sunday (30/8) that the fires occurred near the operational areas of KKKS BP Berau Ltd and KKKS Genting Oil Kalsuri Ltd. This has led to the suspension of the Tangguh LNG Plant operations in the Berau working area and disruptions to production facility construction in the AKM field within the Kalsuri working area.
Meanwhile, data from the West Papua Forestry Office, referencing the SiPongi+ application of the Ministry of Forestry, shows that the burned area in the province reached 2,496.39 hectares throughout 2026 up to July 31. Fakfak Regency accounts for the largest area, around 2,171.35 hectares, or nearly 87% of the total.
To tackle the fires, BNPB has deployed both ground and aerial firefighting operations. One Super Puma helicopter is used for water bombing, while another helicopter previously assigned for post-earthquake response in East Nusa Tenggara has been repositioned to West Papua, focusing on fire points in Tofoi, Teluk Bintuni, and surrounding areas. Two sorties have been carried out, dropping about 360,000 liters of water.
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Additionally, a helicopter from PT Berau Ltd has arrived and is conducting aerial suppression despite visibility ranging from 5 to 9 kilometers.
The expansion of fires into Papua shows that the threat is no longer concentrated in Kalimantan and Sumatra. The government now faces the challenge of extinguishing fire points while protecting communities, the environment, and vital national objects. Strengthened monitoring, aerial firefighting, and coordination between authorities and area managers are crucial to prevent further spread. []
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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