VP Gibran Oversaw Forest Fire Management in Three Kalimantan Provinces

RRI.CO.ID, Palangka Raya – Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, inspected efforts to address forest and land fires in three Kalimantan provinces on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The inspections were conducted in Palangka Raya (Central Kalimantan), Banjarbaru (South Kalimantan), and Kubu Raya Regency (West Kalimantan) to assess firsthand the progress of firefighting efforts and the various needs on the ground.

He emphasized that fires must be addressed comprehensively by ensuring that firefighting efforts are effective while also protecting the safety and health of communities, as well as wildlife and their habitats. According to the Indonesian Vice Presidential Secretariat, his presence in the three areas was part of efforts to ensure that all aspects of the response were carried out optimally on the ground, taking into account each region's conditions and needs.

In addressing the fires, Vice President Gibran stressed that firefighting efforts must go hand in hand with protecting the public, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. The needs of affected residents, including healthcare, education, and logistical support, must also continue to be met throughout the fire emergency.

"Fire suppression and public services must be carried out simultaneously, including providing access to medical treatment, education, masks, vitamins, water, and other supplies," he said.

Gibran also emphasized that fire responses must continue to be adapted to on-the-ground conditions, including through the application of necessary innovations. However, he said that every innovation implemented must deliver tangible, measurable benefits while continuing to prioritize personnel safety.

"Innovation must be measurable, effective, and address the needs on the ground. We need to see the results of these innovations in the field. I want to know the indicators of success, the safety aspects, and the personnel needs. Most importantly, innovations must help with firefighting and be used in accordance with established procedures," he added.

One innovation that Gibran directly inspected and that has been implemented, particularly in South Kalimantan, is an environmentally friendly surfactant formulation for fighting fires in peatlands. It was developed through research and laboratory analysis of a foaming liquid, which was subsequently reformulated for peatland firefighting.

The formulation helps water penetrate layers of peat while simultaneously forming foam on the surface, making it more effective at cooling and extinguishing underground embers while improving water efficiency. During tests using a thermal drone, the temperature of the peatland area, which initially reached around 130°C, dropped to approximately 30°C within about one minute of application.

While inspecting the Forest and Land Fire Response Post in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Gibran apologized to the people of Kalimantan because air quality had not yet fully recovered. However, he said the government would continue doing its best to address the situation in accordance with President Prabowo Subianto's instructions.

"I would like to sincerely apologize to the people of Kalimantan because air quality has not yet fully recovered. But we will maximize our efforts and do our best in accordance with the President’s instructions," Gibran said.

"Strengthen vigilance, as El Niño is expected to persist until early 2027. Conduct more intensive preventive patrols. Strengthen coordination and engage all elements of society. Ensure that every problem in the field is addressed quickly and measurably. Also step up public outreach and education," he concluded.

Gibran even inspected a forest fire site late into the evening by visiting the fire hotspot in Ambawang District, Kubu Raya Regency. The Secretariat said the inspection aimed to assess the latest conditions amid the continuing presence of haze and to ensure effective fire response efforts.