“Banjarbaru is in the first ring because it is located near the airport. Forest and land fires in this city have already covered 96 hectares—the largest (area out) of the 13 regencies/cities in South Kalimantan,” Nurofiq said during a working visit to Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, on Thursday.
He emphasized that the widespread forest and land fires are a warning for stakeholders in the region to take swift mitigation steps.
“Moreover, Banjarbaru is the capital of South Kalimantan province, and people from outside the region will judge South Kalimantan based on the situation and conditions in Banjarbaru,” he said.
To contain forest and land fires, the Minister of Environment has urged the region to implement more optimal management measures, saying the provincial capital must adopt better disaster management practices.
He further said that Banjarbaru city must not contribute to haze, which is caused by uncontrolled forest and land fires. As a city center, it has the responsibility to prevent environmental pollution caused by haze.
Meanwhile, South Kalimantan Governor Muhidin said that the spread of forest and land fires in the province to 155 hectares, along with the detection of 1,957 hotspots, led to the declaration of a forest and land fire emergency alert status on August 4, 2025.
“The extent of these forest and land fires is a strong warning to remain vigilant. The forest and land fire task force urges all institutions to carry out mitigation and respond quickly through collaboration,” he said.
“I emphasize that anyone who clears land by burning will be subject to strict action, both individuals and companies,” he added.
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Translator: Tumpal Andani Aritonang, Martha Herlinawati Simanj
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
