Central Kalimantan (Kalteng) hotspot Jumps to 92 Spots, Forest and Forestry Fire Outages Strengthened

On Saturday (17/10), one dry ice seeding flight was carried out using around 800 kilograms of seeding material and one NaCl seeding flight.

The Ministry of Forestry reported that visibility had improved in Palembang during the operation. However, handling continues with ground blackouts, air operations, air quality monitoring and law enforcement.

Nationally, the government is alerting 61 air fleet units. A total of 17 units are used for patrols and weather modification, while the other 44 units are used for water bombing.

Hotspots Down, Air Quality Still a Concern

The Ministry of Forestry reminded that the reduction in Hotspots will not immediately be followed by a recovery in air quality.

Based on monitoring based on PM2.5 fine particle concentrations submitted by the ministry, most of Indonesia's territory is in the good to moderate category. However, a number of locations in Kalimantan and Sumatra still show unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality, even locally dangerous.

Peat fire smoke can persist and move according to atmospheric conditions. Therefore, extinguishing fire sources remains a priority along with protecting public health.

The Ministry of Forestry appealed to residents in affected areas to reduce outdoor activities and use masks if they have to do activities outside. Special attention is requested for children, pregnant women, the elderly, as well as residents with respiratory problems or chronic diseases.