Indonesia: 198 High-Confidence Hotspots Detected in West Kalimantan

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported the detection of 198 high-confidence hotspots in West Kalimantan over the last 24 hours, signaling a significant increase in fire activity.

Brig. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Asrianus Bulo, Special Staff to the Head of BNPB, presented the latest data during a visit by President Prabowo Subianto to Kalimantan on Saturday. Bulo stated that these high-confidence hotspots indicate the presence of active fires and smoke in the region. In addition to the 198 high-confidence alerts, the agency also detected 3,100 hotspots with medium confidence, primarily showing smoke plumes, and 406 with low confidence.

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We report on the latest situation. Hotspot monitoring over the past 24 hours based on satellite detection shows 198 hotspots with a high level of confidence.

The most severe concentration of high-confidence hotspots is located in the Ketapang, Kubu Raya, and Kayong Utara regencies. Fires were also detected in the southern and eastern sectors, including Sanggau, Sintang, and Sambas regencies.

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We have carried out weather modification operations from August 11 to 18. Then we rested because there were no clouds with potential.

Despite the ongoing fire concerns, light intensity rain is forecast for parts of West Kalimantan between August 21-27, particularly in the eastern areas. However, a recent weather modification operation conducted from August 11 to 18 had to be temporarily suspended due to an insufficient number of clouds suitable for rain production.

President Prabowo Subianto has directed the TNI and Polri to expedite and optimize efforts to combat the land and forest fires (karhutla) to allow communities to resume normal activities. He has specifically tasked the Commander of the TNI and the Chief of Police with leading the handling of the situation in West Kalimantan.

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The President instructed that the handling of land and forest fires be carried out as quickly and optimally as possible so that the community can return to normal activities.