Jerebu: Kerjasama Indonesia-Malaysia tumpu operasi benih awan

Indonesia has confirmed ongoing cooperation with Malaysia to address issues of transboundary haze, focusing on cloud seeding operations across the border region. This move comes in response to severe forest and land fires in West Kalimantan, which have significantly degraded air quality in Sarawak. At 9 AM today, Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in some areas reached 195, nearing the hazardous threshold of 201.

National Disaster Management, Information and Communication Center Deputy Head Berton Panjaitan stated that continuous discussions are underway as part of broader efforts to tackle the haze situation. Communication with the neighboring country is ongoing, with bilateral talks between Malaysia and Indonesia held, and both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in prevention, monitoring, and supporting cloud seeding operations.

Malaysia offered assistance in fire suppression and expressed readiness to help, although Jakarta has not formally requested direct fire-fighting assistance like aerial water bombing. Indonesia remains open to collaboration if additional needs arise, following the mechanism already in place. Last August, Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to enhance preventive measures and fire suppression for dealing with transboundary haze issues stemming from inter-ministerial talks between Malaysia's Minister of Rural and Environmental Conservation, Arthur Joseph Kurup, and Indonesia's Minister of Environment, Jumhur Hidayat.

Arthur confirmed that Indonesia authorized Malaysia to enter its airspace for cloud seeding operations. The haze has also worsened conditions in parts of Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, and Perak, which recorded unhealthy air quality. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Consulate in Pontianak informed that the haze situation in Kalimantan has worsened this year, following no severe haze reports in 2024 and 2025.

The consulate urges adherence to all local authorities' instructions, including wearing masks, switching to online learning, reducing outdoor movement unless necessary, and emphasizing health measures for all Malaysian citizens in the region. According to the consulate, a total of 577 Malaysian nationals are registered in West Kalimantan, with most expatriate Malaysians residing throughout Kalimantan.