Indonesian military leads ecosystem restoration after Kalimantan fires

Indonesia’s military and government agencies have begun planting trees and restoring water sources in parts of Kalimantan affected by forest and land fires.

The VI/Mulawarman Regional Military Command is coordinating with police, disaster authorities, search and rescue officials, religious leaders and local communities. Major General Krido Pramono said vegetation restoration began this month in burned and degraded areas, including along riverbanks.

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This month, we are restoring vegetation by planting trees in burned and degraded areas, including along riverbanks.

He said replacing lost tree cover was necessary to restore the ecological functions of damaged areas. The planting will take place gradually, with authorities also seeking to protect the environment and reduce the chance of fires returning during the dry season.

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Drilled wells that we have built also provide clean water and can support forest and land fire prevention and firefighting.

The government is reactivating existing reservoirs to improve water availability amid low rainfall. Drilled wells are supplying clean water and can also support fire prevention and firefighting. Krido said water had become increasingly important as dry conditions and rising temperatures affected the region.

Authorities have also held joint prayers and salat istisqa, prayers for rain, in parts of East and North Kalimantan. Krido said environmental protection could not rest solely with the government and security forces. Communities, he said, must plant trees, protect water sources and avoid burning land.

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We recognize our limitations and weaknesses. Only Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala can provide help, including rain, and protect us from disasters.