..its direction would depend on wind speed, wind direction, and fire activity in the areas where fires are burning.
Bengkayang, W Kalimantan (ANTARA) – The West Kalimantan Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned on Friday that smoke from wildfires in Ketapang and North Kayong could reach Pontianak and potentially cross into neighboring countries, driven by prevailing winds.
Head of the Data and Information Section at the BMKG West Kalimantan Office Soetikno said the risk was compounded by southeasterly to southerly winds and limited rainfall forecast through September 2026.
“West Kalimantan has yet to see significant rainfall, so wildfire risk remains high over the next week,” Soetikno said in Pontianak.
He said areas requiring attention include southern Kubu Raya, North Kayong, and Ketapang, where rainfall is expected to remain very limited.
“Wildfire risk remains high for at least the next week, especially in southern Kubu Raya, North Kayong, and Ketapang, where rainfall chances are extremely low,” he said.
Soetikno said winds were another concern, particularly along West Kalimantan’s western coast, where winds from offshore areas west of Ketapang were relatively strong and predominantly blew from the southeast to south.
He said the winds could carry smoke from fires in Ketapang and North Kayong toward other areas, including Supadio Airport and Pontianak.
“If wildfires occur, they could spread quickly. Winds predominantly blow from the southeast to south, carrying smoke from Ketapang and North Kayong to Supadio Airport and Pontianak,” he said.
Smoke could also spread across provincial borders and into neighboring countries, although its direction would depend on wind speed, wind direction, and fire activity in the areas where fires are burning.
Similar risks should also be monitored at other airports, including Rahadi Oesman Airport in Ketapang, particularly if smoke concentrations increase.
BMKG forecasts that dry conditions and low rainfall will persist through September 2026, potentially sustaining wildfire and haze risks, with rainfall expected to gradually return to normal in October.
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Translator: Narwati, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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