National Hotspots Down 40 Percent, Central Kalimantan (Kalteng) Still Has the Risk of Forest and Land Fires

For local communities, the relevant measure of success is not simply the reduction in the number of Hotspots, but rather the fires and embers that are extinguished and fires that do not reappear.

The fire area still needs to be protected

Post-fire monitoring is another part of handling in Central Kalimantan (Kalteng). Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni visited the fire area to check the condition of the field and ensure that the area was not being used for illegal activities.

According to the ministry, the inspection was carried out using drones and direct inspection. Officers also put up signs prohibiting mining activities in the forest area, checked activities and vehicles around the location, and checked for wood finds.

The party found at the location underwent an initial examination to investigate the activities taking place. These findings still need to be followed up based on examination and evidence. The presence of a person or vehicle at the location does not in itself prove a violation.

The Ministry emphasized that burned forest areas must not become a space for unlawful control or change of use. Thus, work after extinguishing includes guarding the area, investigating the cause of the fire, and following up on suspected violations.

In handling the forest and land fires case, the ministry also stated that it had named PT MAP in West Kalimantan (Kalbar) and PT GAP in Central Kalimantan (Kalteng) as corporate suspects. The suspect status is part of the legal process and not a guilty verdict.