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Kalimantan Fires Rage Like a Battlefield as Indonesia Deploys 1,500 More Troops
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Conflict & Security

Kalimantan Fires Rage Like a Battlefield as Indonesia Deploys 1,500 More Troops

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Indonesia is intensifying its response to forest and land fires in Kalimantan, deploying an additional 1,500 soldiers and six helicopters.
  • Over 200,000 hectares have been destroyed by fires nationwide this year, exceeding levels seen during El Niño events in 2019 and 2023.
  • Authorities are investigating four companies for potential links to the fires and reviewing traditional land-clearing practices involving burning.

Indonesia is escalating its efforts to combat the severe forest and land fires raging across Kalimantan, deploying an additional 1,500 soldiers and six helicopters to bolster operations. The move underscores the immense scale of the challenge, with over 200,000 hectares already lost to fires nationwide this year, surpassing the devastation witnessed during the El Niño phenomena of 2019 and 2023.

The dry conditions exacerbated by El Niño have significantly increased fire risks. However, the widespread destruction has also reignited questions about human activity and the effectiveness of enforcement against those responsible for starting or failing to prevent fires. In West Kalimantan, four companies are under investigation for their alleged involvement, and their permits could be revoked if violations are confirmed. President Prabowo Subianto has vowed legal action against any company found complicit.

Legal action will be taken if the involvement of any company in the fires can be proven.

— Prabowo SubiantoPresident of Indonesia, emphasizing the government's stance on corporate responsibility for the fires.

In parallel, the government is re-evaluating local regulations that permit land clearing through burning as a traditional practice. Officials are exploring alternative methods, such as providing excavators, to help communities clear land without resorting to fire. This signifies a broader strategy that extends beyond immediate firefighting to address the root causes of fires before they ignite.

The government's "war" on fires is multifaceted, involving not only front-line suppression but also preventative measures. The extensive deployment of military personnel and aerial assets highlights the substantial resources required to manage the crisis. Ultimately, Indonesia's success in controlling the fires hinges not only on its ability to extinguish flames but also on its effectiveness in tackling the underlying causes and enforcing regulations to prevent future occurrences.

The government can help communities clear land without using fire, including by providing excavators.

— Prasetyo HadiMinister of State Secretary, outlining alternative land-clearing methods.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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