Anticipating Forest-Land Fires in 2026, Government Emphasizes Early Mitigation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, retired TNI General Djamari Chaniago, led the National Forest and Land Fire Disaster Preparedness Rally for 2026 at the West Kalimantan Governor's Office, Pontianak, on Wednesday, April 16, 2026. In his address, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs affirmed the importance of unifying steps and increasing vigilance among all stakeholders in facing this year's dry season.

Djamari emphasized that this gathering is not merely ceremonial, but a demonstration of the government's seriousness in preventing disasters early on. He instructed regional leaders, from Governors to Mayors, to ensure that all resources, such as personnel, equipment, and field command systems, are in a state of readiness at vulnerable points.

"From Pontianak, we emphasize that West Kalimantan is ready to face the 2026 dry season, ready to prevent forest and land fires early, and ready to be an example of quick, responsive, and integrated disaster management synergy," Djamari Chaniago stated.

Furthermore, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs issued special instructions to elements of the TNI, Polri, Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and volunteers to strengthen integrated patrols and quickly verify hot spots. He warned that any indication of fire should be addressed immediately before it spreads, especially in strategic areas close to residential settlements, healthcare facilities, and national vital objects.

Specific challenges in West Kalimantan are also in the spotlight, especially the characteristics of peatland that are difficult to extinguish once the fire has spread below the surface. Weather factors such as strong winds and limited access to water in remote locations necessitate a much more effective early detection strategy compared to previous years.

Djamari also reminded that the President pays great attention to controlling forest and land fires as part of national stability. According to him, the government must not let its guard down because the cost and risk of extinguishing a fire that has already grown much larger are far more expensive than implementing strict prevention and monitoring from the beginning.

"The spirit is to act before the fire grows, to control before the situation escalates, and to protect the people before the impact is felt more severely thru early mitigation steps," he said.