Palangka Raya, C Kalimantan (ANTARA) – The Palangka Raya city government in Central Kalimantan Province has extended its emergency status for forest and land fires and drought for 30 days, from September 9 to October 8, 2026.
Palangka Raya Deputy Mayor Achmad Zaini said here Thursday that the extension was necessary because forest and land fires remained frequent and the risk remained high.
“Some hotspots have also begun approaching residential areas, requiring a more intensive and coordinated response,” he said.
He said the decision followed monitoring and evaluation by the Palangka Raya administration, the regional leadership coordination forum (Forkopimda), and other relevant agencies.
The extension will allow all available resources to prepare fully for forest and land fire response efforts, he said.
The dry season was also a key consideration in extending the emergency status, he said.
Water sources near fire sites are becoming limited, requiring greater support in personnel, equipment, and other firefighting resources.
Data from the Palangka Raya Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) showed 475 forest and land fires since the emergency alert status was declared on June 1, 2026, burning 837.28 hectares.
For the next 30 days, Zaini ordered the Palangka Raya BPBD to prepare a response plan covering personnel, equipment, infrastructure, and funding needs.
“Hotspot mapping and identification of fire-prone areas must also be strengthened to guide faster and more targeted response and prevention measures,” he said.
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Translator: Rendhik Andika, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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