DPR urges Kemenkeu to disburse Rp290.9 billion for Kalimantan fires

Commission IV member Rajiv urged Kementerian Keuangan to immediately disburse the emergency budget of Rp290.9 billion for wildfire prevention and response operations in Kalimantan. The push comes as forest and land fires continue to spread in Kalimantan Timur. BNPB data as of Friday, Aug. 21, recorded fires in Paser Regency affecting Tanah Grogot, Batu Sopang and Batu Engau over 25.29 hectares. In Kutai Kartanegara Regency, fires were recorded in Loa Kulu, Tenggarong, Pendingin in Sanga-Sanga, Muara Muntai, Muara Jawa and Kota Bangun, covering a total of 49.55 hectares; the largest area was in Kelurahan Pendingin at about 42 hectares. Rajiv said the funding need had been concluded in a Commission IV meeting with Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni on Aug. 18.