Tumbang Nusa Forest Fires Cloak Palangka Raya in Thick Smoke

On Monday 27 July 2026 dense haze enveloped Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan, after forest‑ and land‑fires ignited in Tumbang Nusa, Pulang Pisau Regency. Authorities recorded 109 hotspots burning roughly 54.44 hectares. The smoke spread to four city districts – Jekan Raya, Sebangau, Pahandut and Bukit Batu – and reduced visibility on major arteries such as Jalan Yos Sudarso, Jalan Imam Bonjol and the Jembatan Kahayan bridge.

Hendrikus Satriya Budi, head of the local disaster agency (BPBD), said police, army units and volunteers are fighting the blaze, with helicopters conducting aerial patrols to map fire fronts. Fires on deep peat at kilometer 13 are especially difficult to extinguish. Residents have taken masks while travelling, citing discomfort from the lingering haze.