West Kalimantan peatland fires top 30,000 hectares; firms urged to build barriers
KLH is prioritizing canal barriers at active fire points in Kubu Raya as peat fires spread underground.
Deputy Minister of Environment Diaz Hendropriyono urged companies near peatland fire sites in West Kalimantan to build canal barriers to speed extinguishing efforts and keep the blaze from spreading. He made the request during a visit to Limbung village in Kubu Raya regency on Aug. 23. According to BPBD data cited by KLH/BPLH, the area burned in West Kalimantan exceeded 30,000 hectares in January-July 2026, triggering haze in several areas. Diaz said canal barriers are important because peat fires can spread through underground layers, making water dousing from the surface often ineffective. During the visit, KLH/BPLH distributed five firefighting equipment units and 10 boxes of masks. PT Antam also provided one package of drilled wells and five boxes of medical masks for residents affected in Batu Ampar village, Kubu Raya.
Sources
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