73 Hotspots Detected in South Kalimantan, 14 Located in Company Areas

Indonesian authorities have identified 73 hotspots across the province of South Kalimantan, with a significant portion, 14, situated within areas managed under Forest Utilization Business Permits (PBPH). This detection is part of an ongoing effort to monitor and prevent forest and land fires (karhutla), which pose a significant threat, particularly during the dry season.

The information on these hotspots is generated through the Forest and Land Fire Control Information System (Sipongi) and serves as a crucial early warning mechanism. Wahyu Nurhidayat, head of the Banjarbaru Forest Management Unit (BPHL) Region XI, emphasized the importance of immediate field verification for each identified hotspot. "Every hotspot identified within the PBPH work area needs to be immediately verified in the field," he stated, highlighting that this data is integral to the early warning system.

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Every hotspot identified within the PBPH work area needs to be immediately verified in the field. Information on hotspots is part of the early warning system so that potential fires can be detected and handled from the initial stage.

Information regarding the hotspots has been disseminated to the respective PBPH holders, urging them to conduct on-site checks and verifications. The BPHL Region XI Banjarbaru is also fostering inter-agency coordination among area managers with spatial connections. Nurhidayat clarified that the presence of a hotspot does not automatically confirm a fire; it indicates an anomaly in temperature that requires direct ground inspection.

"The principle is, don't wait for the fire to grow. When there is hotspot information within or around the work area, immediately conduct a check. If indications of fire are found, take initial action and coordinate with relevant parties according to regulations," he advised. This proactive approach aims to ensure that potential fires are detected and managed at their earliest stages, preventing them from escalating into larger conflagrations.

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The principle is, don't wait for the fire to grow. When there is hotspot information within or around the work area, immediately conduct a check. If indications of fire are found, take initial action and coordinate with relevant parties according to regulations.