Kaltara Set Emergency Alert Status for Hydro-meteorological Disaster 2026

TANJUNG SELOR - The North Kalimantan Provincial Government (Pemprov) has strengthened its readiness to face potential hydrometeorological disasters throughout 2026.

The strengthening was marked by the issuance of the Decree of the Governor of North Maluku Number 100.3.3.1/61/2026 concerning the Status of Emergency Alert for Hydro-meteorological Disaster in 2026.

Head of Emergency and Logistics and Manager of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Kaltara Rony Haryanto confirmed that the policy was one of the foundations for the local government in improving preparedness and coordination in the face of various potential disasters that are influenced by weather and climate conditions, including forest and land fires (Karhutla).

"Through this emergency standby status, the local government can strengthen inter-agency coordination and increase the readiness of disaster management resources and facilities in the Kaltara region," said Rony, Friday, August 14.

Rony said that the Kaltara BPBD was one of the elements that strengthened the steps through monitoring the condition of the region, mapping the vulnerable areas and coordination with the district/city BPBD, TNI-Polri, village government and related institutions.

"Especially in dealing with the potential for Karhutla, BPBD Kaltara also increases the monitoring of hotspots by utilizing satellite data and weather information from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG)," he said.

Rony revealed that mapping the vulnerable area is important to accelerate the deployment of personnel when there are indications of a fire.

"We have mapped the vulnerable locations. That way, the team can be directed faster if there is an indication of a fire," said Rony.

"A number of areas in Bulungan, Tana Tidung, Malinau, Nunukan and Tarakan are of concern in efforts to prevent Karhutla," he continued.

Rony reminded the public not to open land by burning. Prevention at the community level is an important part of reducing the risk of fire.

"Land opening should not be done by burning. We appeal to the village head and camat as well as the community to supervise and ensure that land opening activities are carried out safely," he said.

In addition to prevention, BPBD Kaltara continues to strengthen preparedness for handling when disasters occur. Pempeov Kaltara has submitted support for Karhutla handling equipment for the provincial BPBD and five regencies/cities, including assistance through the Ready-to-Use Fund (DSP).

The public is also asked to play an active role by immediately reporting if they find a fire point or signs of fire to officers. Early reporting is considered to speed up handling and prevent the fire from spreading.

"With the establishment of the emergency standby status, the local government emphasizes that preparedness is not only carried out when disasters occur, but also through monitoring, prevention, risk mapping and strengthening cross-sectoral coordination," he concluded.