"In addition to (proposing) weather technology for making artificial rain, we also proposed for other supporting equipment for anticipating forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan," Acting Chief of the Province's Disaster and Fire Mitigation Agency (BPBPK) Ahmad Toyib said here on Tuesday.
According to him, the provincial government has asked for the BNPB's help in operating helicopters for water bombing operations and for forest and land surveillance patrols.
Since May 29, 2023, the province has been on forest and land fire alert emergency status.
Toyib said that rainfall is predicted to be low in the Central Kalimantan region in early June 2023, hence, the provincial government has been increasing its preparedness to deal with potential forest and land fires.
He informed that the government has activated 35 field posts to anticipate and handle potential forest and land fires, especially in vulnerable areas.
"For (the provision) of facilities and infrastructure in handling forest and land fires, we carry out maximum efforts by synergizing with the military, the police, the forestry office, and other technical agencies," Toyib added.
According to the distribution of early indicated hotspots in Central Kalimantan, vulnerable regions include Pulang Pisau, West Kotawaringin, Sukamara, and East Kotawaringin districts, he added.
Meanwhile, acting chief of the Pulang Pisau District Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Osa Maliki, revealed that efforts to handle forest and land fires in his area are constrained by limited water sources and difficult terrain.
"Such as the Kahayan Kuala sub-district, as the location is quite far and the geographical terrain makes it difficult for the personnel," he explained.
Therefore, he said his side is strengthening coordination with the community to prevent land and forest fires together.
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Translator: Kasriadi, Waskito, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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