HARIANEXPRESS – The Kotawaringin Timur Regency government in Central Kalimantan has declared an Emergency Response status for land and forest fires (Karhutla) and drought. This status will last for 28 days, effective from July 30 to August 26, 2026, as extreme Karhutla conditions due to the dry season intensify. The decision, announced on Thursday, July 30, 2026, allows for quicker anticipatory measures and access to emergency funds and aid.
Kotawaringin Timur Faces Karhutla and Drought Emergency
Bupati Kotawaringin Timur, Halikinnor, explained that the declaration was based on three key indicators. These include the daily frequency of fires, a drop in groundwater levels, and an increase in the number of hotspots.
The Emergency Response status provides the local government with the authority to implement faster preventative actions. It enables the use of the Unexpected Expenditure Budget (BTT) and facilitates requests for assistance from provincial and central governments, including water bombing operations.
Fires Also Ravage Other Regions
Sanggau Regency Grapples with Spreading Blaze
A similar dire situation unfolded in Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan, where fire engulfed the Bukit Laet area in Subah Village, Tayan Hilir District. The blaze, consuming bushland on the hills, escalated and drew dangerously close to the Trans Kalimantan road.
This proximity caused alarm among motorists, who halted their vehicles. A total of six fire trucks were deployed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to the main road access.
“Kami bersama Kapolsek dan tim segera meluncur ke lapangan untuk menangani langsung di TKP,” Ujar Danramil 1204/07 Tayan Hilir, Kapten Inf Oktavia Andri Koto.
Danramil 1204/07 Tayan Hilir, Kapten Inf Oktavia Andri Koto, reported receiving citizen reports around 17.15 WIB.
Oil Palm Plantation Land Burned in Tebo
In Tebo Tengah District, Tebo Regency, Jambi, land clearing activities are suspected to have caused another fire. Approximately 1.5 hectares of land designated for oil palm plantations were incinerated.
Investigators suspect the fire originated from land clearing by burning, which then spiraled out of control due to the combination of hot weather and strong winds. Personnel from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) collaborated with local residents to extinguish the flames and prevent further spread to other productive land.
The BPBD has reiterated its urgent appeal to the public to refrain from opening or clearing land by burning. This warning underscores the high risk of Karhutla amidst the current exceptionally dry weather conditions.
