Speaking in Samarinda on Sunday, he noted that the province is highly prone to forest and land fires.
Mas'ud praised the swift action of Manggala Agni (forest fire brigades), local agencies, and volunteers in extinguishing fires at critical points, especially in Kutai Kartanegara and Berau districts.
He said satellite monitoring and the Ministry of Forestry's early detection system had enabled ground teams to act quickly, preventing blazes from spreading and causing haze like in previous years.
The governor highlighted strong coordination between Manggala Agni, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and local fire-aware communities, calling it the key to successful wildfire mitigation.
Although most fires have been brought under control, Mas'ud warned that the peak dry season in August–September still carries a high fire risk.
He stressed the need for prevention and reiterated the ban on land burning for any reason.
The provincial government, together with law enforcement, remains committed to taking firm action against anyone responsible for forest and land burning, he said.
"East Kalimantan must set an example that development and environmental preservation can go hand in hand," Mas’ud said.
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Translator: Arumanto, Primayanti
Editor: Anton Santoso
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