The West Kalimantan Provincial Government has moved swiftly to respond to forest and land fires affecting peatland areas in Sekunder C, Wonodadi, Kubu Raya Regency. During a field inspection, West Kalimantan Governor Drs. H. Ria Norsan, M.M., M.H., accompanied by Kubu Raya Deputy Regent H. Sukiryanto, S.Ag., distributed logistical assistance and clean drinking water to support firefighting teams, Manggala Agni personnel, and volunteers.
Preventive measures in the health sector have also become a key government priority amid the threat of haze. The Governor confirmed that all health facilities, including hospitals and community health centers (Puskesmas), have been placed on 24-hour standby to receive and treat people suffering from acute respiratory infections (ARI).
Based on observations during the field inspection of the Sekunder C peatland area in Wonodadi, located not far from the airport, the fire was found to have spread from the Sekunder B area, burning through plantations and vacant land belonging to local residents.
In addition to ground and aerial firefighting operations, the government is preparing to implement weather modification technology by dispersing salt (NaCl) into suitable cloud formations. Based on forecasts from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), rainfall is expected to be possible between September 3 and 9.
“I urge people who own vacant land, whether for agriculture or plantations, not to burn their land from this point forward. It is deeply concerning that because of one person burning land, thousands of people can become victims of the resulting haze, while flights are also disrupted, especially given how close this area is to the airport,” West Kalimantan Governor Drs. H. Ria Norsan, M.M., M.H., said while inspecting the forest and land fire site in Wonodadi.
The West Kalimantan Provincial Government has called on all members of the community not to blame one another, but instead to work together in addressing the forest and land fire crisis. The public is also encouraged to hope and pray for rainfall, as the number of fire hotspots may fluctuate and increase again due to wind conditions and continued deliberate land burning by individuals during the dry season.
Source: Kalbarprov
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