Estimated Area of Forest and Land Fires in West Kalimantan Province, 2016-2025

The Ministry of Forestry has compiled data indicating that the area affected by forest and land fires (karhutla) in West Kalimantan Province fluctuated between 2016 and 2025.

In 2016, the indicated area affected by karhutla reached 9,174.19 hectares (ha). The figure decreased in 2017 but rose significantly in the two subsequent years.

In 2019, the indicated area affected by karhutla in West Kalimantan reached 151,919 ha, the highest in almost a decade. Subsequent years saw a decrease, although there was another surge in 2023.

According to the latest data from June 2025, the Ministry of Forestry recorded an indicated area of 1,149.02 ha affected by karhutla in the province.

In July 2025, karhutla was reported to have occurred again in West Kalimantan. A joint team from the Indonesian National Police (Polri), Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Manggala Agni (Forest Fire Control Agency), and the West Kalimantan Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) worked to extinguish the fire in Desa Rasau Jaya Umum, Rasau Jaya District, Kubu Raya Regency.

According to Daniel, Head of the BPBD West Kalimantan Information Facility Task Force, the fire began to burn land on Wednesday (23/7/2025) at 12:30 WIB (Western Indonesian Time) and was extinguished around 17:30 WIB.

Daniel stated that there were no casualties, infrastructure damage, or evacuations following the incident. However, officials recommended that wetting operations continue on Thursday (24/7/2025).

“In addition, we also urge the public to actively maintain their environment and not engage in activities that could trigger fires. Mask distribution is also necessary for residents in the surrounding area, considering the impact of smoke on health,” he said, as quoted by Antara News Agency.