KUCHING: The Indonesian Government has deployed 43,951 joint personnel, backed by various resources, to accelerate efforts to combat forest and land fires (Karhutla) across six priority provinces.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching said the operation covers Central Kalimantan, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Riau and Jambi, with intensified firefighting, field monitoring and law enforcement measures being carried out.
“The Government has deployed 43,951 joint personnel, along with various resources, to accelerate fire response efforts,” it said in a press release update on forest and land fire management and law enforcement in Indonesia yesterday (Sept 11).
The personnel comprise Manggala Agni under the Ministry of Forestry, the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI), Indonesian National Police (Polri), National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), local governments, Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD), local communities and other stakeholders.
It also said the operations include direct firefighting, patrols, hotspot monitoring, ground checks, fire containment, mopping-up, cooling and monitoring of areas at risk of re-ignition.
“In addition to ground operations, 55 aerial assets have been deployed to support forest and land fire management in the six priority provinces.
“Of these, 19 aircraft are being used for aerial patrols and to support Weather Modification Operations, while 34 aircraft are being deployed for water-bombing operations,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Consulate General also said law enforcement action is being taken against individuals and corporations proven to have carried out burning or caused forest and land fires.
“As of 7 September 2026, the Indonesian National Police reported that it had received 200 police reports related to forest and land fires, designated 138 individuals as suspects, and initiated legal proceedings involving eight corporations allegedly linked to forest and land fire incidents.
“Law enforcement proceedings are carried out based on the results of investigations and evidence in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” it said.
