Prabowo Visits Central Kalimantan as Authorities Battle Widespread Forest Fires

RRI.CO.ID, Palangka Raya – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited Central Kalimantan province on Saturday, August 22, 2026, amid forest fires throughout Kalimantan Island. After arriving in Palangka Raya from West Kalimantan, the President chaired a meeting with relevant officials at a forest and land fire response post at Tjilik Riwut Airport.

Head of the Central Kalimantan Disaster Management and Firefighting Agency, Ahmad Toyib, said the province has recorded 19,992 hotspots since January 1 to August 22, 2026. During the same period, 1,639 forest and land fires were reported, with authorities having dealt with fires covering a total area of 4,499.21 hectares.

"This data is based on daily reports from all 14 regencies and municipalities across Central Kalimantan, which we collect every day,” Ahmad Toyib said, as quoted by Indonesia's Presidential Secretariat website on Saturday.

Meanwhile, based on satellite analysis by the Ministry of Forestry, the area affected by forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan had reached 7,634.46 hectares, ranking ninth nationally. Thirteen of the province’s 14 regencies and municipalities have also declared an emergency preparedness status for forest and land fires.

To strengthen firefighting efforts on the ground, the Central Kalimantan Forest and Land Fire Task Force has reportedly deployed around 10,700 personnel. They come from various agencies and groups, including regional disaster management agencies, the Forestry Service, firefighters, military, police, fire-aware community groups, and other communities.

Ahmad said four water-bombing helicopters were already operating, but additional helicopters were still needed to improve firefighting effectiveness, along with around 100 to 200 additional water pumps. The Presidential Secretariat said Prabowo immediately took steps to follow up on these needs, including making phone calls during the meeting.

After the meeting, Prabowo said his government ensures efforts to tackle forest and land fires in several parts of Kalimantan continue to be strengthened. Speaking to reporters, he said the government prioritizes mitigation measures to prevent the fires from spreading while also preventing new hotspots from emerging.

"All officials have reported their needs, and we are trying to meet them. Every day, we are adding helicopters, equipment, water-boring machines, and all the other necessary supplies," the President said.

Prabowo expressed confidence that the forest and land fires could soon be brought under control. He based his confidence on Indonesia’s experience dealing with forest and land fires in previous years, including in more difficult situations.

"So I hope we can bring this under control soon. If we look at history, there have been years when the situation was much worse, and we were able to overcome it. So I believe we will be able to deal with this soon," he said.

In addition to ensuring stronger firefighting operations and meeting needs on the ground, Prabowo also expressed concern over the possibility of corporations deliberately setting forest and land fires. He stressed that the government would not hesitate to take action if violations were found and legally proven.

"We must take action, and we will. If it is truly proven, then we will take action. We will act in accordance with the law and regulations," he stressed.