Kalimantan: Water Sources Dwindle as Wildfires Rage On
BNPB states that the water sources for fighting forest fires are extremely limited due to the current dry season.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported significant difficulties in curbing wildfires in Kalimantan, with water scarcity emerging as a key challenge. Acting Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center of BNPB, Berton Suar Pelita Panjaitan, disclosed that water sources are becoming progressively scarce and further from the fire locations.
He elaborated on this predicament during a virtual press conference on August 23, 2026, explaining that the scarcity of water sources makes land and aerial firefighting operations more arduous, requiring fire trucks and water-carrying helicopters to traverse longer distances. Berton emphasized that the dry season exacerbates this issue, rendering water sources exceedingly limited.
Apart from the water crisis, strong winds surrounding the fire points further impede firefighting efforts, as they facilitate the rapid spread of fires and challenge helicopter pilots' ability to maneuver for water bombing. Despite water bombing operations supporting ground operations, Berton clarified that they are not the primary focus.
He noted that the government is striving to augment the number of water tank trucks to confront the forest fires. Presently, six provinces - West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra - are given priority for wildfire management.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
