Indonesia battles widespread forest and peatland fires

Indonesia is facing widespread forest and land fires (karhutla), prompting intensive emergency responses across several provinces. In South Kalimantan, the Polda Kalsel police are using thermal drones and specialized surfactant injections to cool peatlands near Syamsudin Noor International Airport, where underground temperatures have reached over 400 degrees Celsius.

In West Kalimantan, the BPBD is focusing cooling operations on peatlands in Ketapang, Kubu Raya, and Kayong Utara to prevent smoldering embers from reigniting. PTPN IV Regional V has provided medical supplies and protective gear to support field officers in Kalimantan. Meanwhile, in Riau, PTPN IV Regional III has deployed 660 personnel and the Arfina digital application to detect hotspots in Siak, Kampar, and Indragiri Hulu.

Law enforcement is also active in Indragiri Hilir, where the Polres Inhil has identified nine suspects in connection with illegal land clearing through burning. These cases involve varying land areas, from 0.5 to 50 hectares, and are being prosecuted under environmental and forestry protection laws.