August 23, 2026 | 09:29 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) revealed several challenges in combating wildfires in Kalimantan, with one of the primary issues being dwindling water sources.
The Acting Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center of BNPB, Berton Suar Pelita Panjaitan, said available sources of water are getting farther away from the blazes.
"Some of the challenges we encounter during ground operations include no access roads to the fire points, making the terrains difficult to navigate. Water sources are starting to recede and getting farther away from the fire locations," said Berton during a virtual press conference on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
According to Berton, this condition makes it difficult to carry out firefighting operations, both through land and air routes. He said fire trucks and water-carrying helicopters have to travel longer distances.
"Water sources are extremely limited considering that it is still the dry season," he said. The firefighting process, he added, uses water tanks transported by trucks and water sources from hydrants.
In addition to the issue of water sources, Berton mentioned that strong winds around the fire points also complicate the firefighting operations. Strong winds, he said, make it easier for the fire to spread and difficult for helicopter pilots to maneuver for water bombing.
"Strong winds around the fire spots make it difficult to maneuver the helicopters. Limited visibility conditions," he mentioned.
Meanwhile, Berton said water bombing operations are not the main operations but rather in support of ground operations. He mentioned that the government is currently trying to increase the number of operational water tank trucks to combat forest fires.
Currently, six provinces are prioritized for wildfire management: West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra.
Read: The Far-Reaching Economic Impact of Wildfires
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