Indonesia battles surge in forest fires as West Kalimantan hotspots nearly double

Indonesia is grappling with a sharp rise in forest and land fires, particularly in Kalimantan, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). In West Kalimantan, the number of fire hotspots nearly doubled to 7,377 on Monday, a 3,553 increase from previous levels. Fire spots also rose by 88 to 104, and visibility plummeted below one kilometre.

In Central Kalimantan, hotspots dropped by 147 to 5,244, while fire spots rose by 16 to 72. South Kalimantan saw a 405 decrease in hotspots to 504, but a 33 increase in fire spots to 55. In Sumatra, the number of hotspots in South Sumatra climbed by 209 to 1,013, while they fell significantly in Riau and Jambi. The fires are severely impacting public health, with nearly 5.5 million people living in affected areas across Sumatra and Kalimantan, reported Deputy Health Minister Prof Dante Saksono Harbuwono.

The cumulative number of acute respiratory infection (ISPA) cases from July to August reached 13,500, with 4,082 individuals still suffering as of Sunday. Health authorities continue monitoring the situation and coordinating with local health offices. The Environment Ministry has flagged 42 companies for potential action over detected fires within their concession areas.

Environmental Law Enforcement deputy Rizal Irawan noted that strict liability applies to companies, regardless of the cause of the fire. Indonesia is also collaborating with neighboring countries to address transboundary haze through Asean mechanisms, following a recent meeting of environment officials in Bali. Fire Care Community groups have been established in six fire-prone Sumatra and Kalimantan provinces, with plans for 35 more this year.

Approximately 80% of these companies have reported readiness, while the remainder has yet to respond.