El-Nino Phenomenon, Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan Prepares For Karhutla Disaster Emergency

JAKARTA - The Kapuas Regency Government in Central Kalimantan Province has set an emergency status for forest and land fires (karhutla) for the next 90 days.

"The determination starts from 17 May 2023 to 14 August 2023 or 90 days based on the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry Number P.9/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM/.1/3/2018," said the Head of the Kapuas Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Panahatan Sinaga, quoted from Antara, Thursday, May 18.

According to him, his party has held a meeting to respond to current weather conditions in Kapuas Regency which has begun to lead to the El-Nino phenomenon which has resulted in reduced rainfall, especially in the local area.

"In response to this, the Kapuas Regency Government through the local BPBD has agreed on several things to prevent forest and land fires," he said.

The next step, his party will hold a coordination meeting to prevent forest and land fires that involve cross-sectors and related Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD), assembly for troop deployments and equipment for readiness to face forest and land fires.

"Also making a circular to the sub-district head, village head and private large company (PBS), regarding the prevention of forest and land fires in Kapuas Regency," he said.

Then, he continued, socializing the prevention of forest and land fires and the installation of banners at points prone to forest and land fires.

"As well as activating Field Posts in sub-districts that are prone to forest and land fires in Kapuas Regency," he explained.

People in the local area are advised and reminded not to work on or clean the land by burning carelessly.

"Also don't forget not to throw cigarette butts carelessly, because it can cause a fire. Because in the current weather, dry leaves are very fast and flammable," said Panahatan.