BNPB Reports Rising Forest Fire Hotspots in Kalimantan and Sumatra

Jakarta, MINA – The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has detected an upward trend in hotspots and fire spots across Kalimantan and Sumatra, with some areas showing significant increases, an official said on Saturday.

“Data displayed on our screens shows hotspots and fire spots detected in the field. In West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan, all points are rising, with some significant increases such as those in West Kalimantan,” said Berton SP Panjaitan, Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, during a press conference at BNPB headquarters in Jakarta.

He also noted that Sumatra saw rising hotspots, particularly in Riau and Jambi. Despite the overall increase, Berton reported a decline in fire spots in three provinces and expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of all parties involved.

BNPB remains committed to coordinating with relevant agencies to extinguish fires and conduct cooling operations. Ground operations against forest and land fires will continue to be carried out by joint teams in the field, including BPBD, TNI, Polri, Manggala Agni, Daops, Satpol PP, the Environment and Forestry Service, volunteers, fire-conscious community members, and private sector entities.

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“Patrols are our focus so we can detect new fires, developing fires, or large fires. When we find a new fire, our team will try to put it out as quickly as possible to prevent spread. Ground checks provide early resolution. However, if a fire grows large, we will coordinate with the Air Task Force for water bombing if possible,” Panjaitan added.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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