Central Government Maintains Wildfire Support in East Kalimantan

RRI.CO.ID, Penajam Paser Utara - Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has ensured continued central government support for wildfire response operations in East Kalimantan. BNPB Head Lieutenant General Suharyanto made the statement after meeting with the Forestry Minister, the Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), and East Kalimantan’s regional leaders on Monday, September 14, 2026.

The meeting discussed coordination among field task forces, ground and aerial operations, weather modification operations, and the provision of facilities and infrastructure. Suharyanto reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to assisting local authorities and communities until the wildfire response is completed.

“BNPB, together with all relevant ministries and agencies, is committed to continuing to assist the regional government and people of East Kalimantan until the fires are fully extinguished and the situation returns to normal,” Suharyanto said. The response involves BPBD, TNI, Polri, Manggala Agni, OIKN, community fire brigades, and volunteers.

According to the East Kalimantan Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency, fires have affected around 5,708.96 hectares in the province from January to September 2026. On September 13, authorities recorded 34 high-confidence hotspots and 24 fire incidents covering an estimated 712.94 hectares.

Of the affected area, around 392.99 hectares have been extinguished through ground and aerial operations. Around 319.95 hectares remain under response, all within the Nusantara capital area.

Aerial operations will continue based on field conditions, particularly in areas where access is difficult for ground teams. BNPB is also following up on requests for weather modification operations from the East Kalimantan provincial government and the East Kalimantan Police chief.

The weather modification operation covers Berau and surrounding areas, taking into account atmospheric conditions and the potential growth of rain clouds. The operation is being carried out based on monitoring by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG).

BNPB and relevant ministries and agencies are also providing operational facilities and infrastructure in stages. The support includes assistance from the Ministry of Defense, the Indonesian Military Headquarters, and the Indonesian National Police Headquarters, including water tanks, with 47 tanks distributed to areas in need.

Around 4,068 personnel from the military, police, BPBD, Manggala Agni, and other relevant elements are involved in the wildfire response across East Kalimantan. In the Nusantara capital area, around 324 personnel have been deployed to support the response.