KUBU RAYA — West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan inspected a forest and land fire site in Parit H. Mukhsin, Kubu Raya Regency, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. During the visit, Norsan also brought clean water assistance for distribution to local communities.
Norsan once again urged the public to refrain from burning land during the dry season. His appeal was directed at all parties, including corporations, the general public, and farmers.
“Once again, I appeal to the public: please, please do not burn land during this dry season. That is my message to everyone—corporations, the general public, and farmers alike,” Norsan said.
According to Norsan, land burning can have widespread consequences for communities. He highlighted the impact of deteriorating air quality on children, some of whom have developed acute respiratory infections (ARI).
“I feel sorry for young children who are already suffering from acute respiratory infections. We need to remember that our actions are not only about our own interests, but also affect the wider community,” he added.
Norsan said increasingly hot weather conditions have also made land more susceptible to fire. He noted that temperatures, which previously ranged between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius, have now reached around 35 degrees Celsius.
“This means it no longer takes kerosene and a lighter to start a fire. Even a cigarette butt or a mosquito coil can easily ignite a fire under current conditions,” he said.
He urged the public to exercise greater caution, particularly when clearing land for agriculture or plantations. Peatland areas, he said, require particular attention because fires in such areas are difficult to extinguish.
“We hope that no burning takes place on peatland. Please, do not burn peatland,” he said.
In addition to inspecting the forest and land fire site, the West Kalimantan Provincial Government prepared clean water assistance for communities in Kubu Raya. Norsan said the provincial government would arrange the water supply by identifying available sources of clean water.
“The available water sources have already been identified, as Mr. Banti mentioned. One of our clean water sources is in Anjungan,” Norsan said.
During the visit, the provincial government brought three tankers of clean water for distribution to local residents.
“Today, we have brought three tankers as planned,” Norsan said.
Regarding forest and land fire cases involving companies, Norsan said four companies had been reported. He stated that enforcement measures could include both the revocation of business permits and criminal proceedings.
“Those that have been reported could have their permits revoked. In addition to permit revocation, they could also face criminal charges. The permits can be revoked and criminal sanctions imposed. We are very firm on this,” he added.
Norsan also referred to Regional Regulation (Perda) No. 1, which he said provides certain protections for local communities. However, he stressed that such protections should not be interpreted as allowing people to burn land indiscriminately.
“Even though there is protection under the regional regulation, that does not mean people can burn land indiscriminately,” Norsan said.
Norsan concluded by once again calling on all parties to refrain from burning land during the dry season, emphasizing that the consequences can affect the wider community.
“The consequences affect the wider community. It is deeply concerning,” he concluded.
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