Kalimantan wildfires: BNPB resumes intensive cloud seeding efforts
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) in Indonesia is intensifying efforts to combat wildfires in Kalimantan, which have intensified due to prolonged dry spells. The fires, concentrated in West, Central, and South Kalimantan, pose particular challenges because they often occur on peatlands where fires can smolder underground. BNPB has resumed cloud seeding operations using salt-based methods and deployed 30 helicopters for water bombing and aerial surveillance. Ground operations include additional water trucks and personnel, supported by government resources. President Prabowo Subianto has prioritized the response, ensuring adequate equipment and infrastructure for field teams. Haze from the fires has impacted air travel and public health, prompting measures like enhanced health post support and coordination with health authorities. The government continues to monitor transboundary haze risks and maintain inter-agency cooperation.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has resumed intensive cloud seeding operations in Kalimantan to tackle escalating forest and land fires, according to Antara News. The effort comes amid rising concerns over persistent haze and the difficulty of extinguishing fires rooted in peatland areas. BNPB head Suharyanto announced that the focus is on West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan, where the majority of fires have intensified due to prolonged dry spells. With nearly a week passing without rain, the risk of further blazes and continued haze remains elevated. BNPB conducted a joint technical assessment with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) on August 23, leading to the resumption of salt-based cloud seeding across the region. This strategy aims to generate rainfall to rewet peatlands, which are particularly prone to underground fires that continue burning even after the surface appears extinguished. Suharyanto stressed that sustained, heavy rains are essential to fully eliminate these hidden threats. In preparation for the operation, BNPB has mobilized 30 helicopters for water bombing and aerial surveillance, enhancing its capacity to respond quickly to new outbreaks. Ground operations have also received increased attention, with the government deploying additional resources to affected provinces. Up to 100 water trucks have been allocated per province, depending on local demand, to assist ground crews in distributing water and managing fire-prone areas. These trucks are crucial for supporting firefighters working in densely populated or remote regions impacted by the fires. The central government has prioritized disaster response in Kalimantan, with President Prabowo Subianto directing officials to ensure adequate equipment and infrastructure for field teams and to accelerate suppression efforts. During recent inspections in West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan, Prabowo emphasized the need for coordinated action among agencies and local governments. His directive underscores the urgency of addressing both immediate fire hazards and long-term environmental recovery. Meanwhile, the haze generated by the fires has disrupted daily life, particularly affecting air travel. Visibility has been reduced in several locations, including Banjarbaru, Palangka Raya, and Pontianak, though conditions typically improve by late afternoon. Despite this, flights at major airports such as Syamsudin Noor, Supadio, and Tjilik Riwut have generally operated safely and on schedule. To mitigate health risks associated with the haze, BNPB has collaborated with the Ministry of Health and local authorities to reinforce integrated health posts in affected areas. These facilities provide specialized care for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. The government is also maintaining close monitoring of transboundary haze impacts, ensuring continuous inter-agency coordination as conditions evolve. In West Kalimantan, the situation remains critical, with the provincial government coordinating both ground and air operations to manage high-risk zones. Air Commodore Sidik Setyono, commander of the Supadio Air Force Base, reported that eight aircraft have been deployed to conduct air patrols, water bombing, and cloud seeding missions. Six of these are stationed locally, while two have been moved to Ketapang district to target areas with the highest concentration of hotspots. The move follows reports that districts such as Ketapang, Kubu Raya, and Mempawah are experiencing the most intense fire activity. Recent data shows some progress, with the number of high-category hotspots in West Kalimantan dropping from 521 on August 19 to 224 on August 20. This decline is attributed to joint suppression efforts involving both ground and aerial teams. However, the challenge persists, requiring ongoing vigilance and resource allocation. As BNPB and other agencies continue their operations, the hope is that sustained efforts will lead to improved conditions and a reduction in the spread of fires and related haze.
4 reports
Antara NewsState / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 808/23/2026
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) in Indonesia is intensifying efforts to combat wildfires in Kalimantan, which have intensified due to prolonged dry spells. The fires, concentrated in West, Central, and South Kalimantan, pose particular challenges because they often occur on peatlands where fires can smolder underground. BNPB has resumed cloud seeding operations using salt-based methods and deployed 30 helicopters for water bombing and aerial surveillance. Ground operations include additional water trucks and personnel, supported by government resources. President Prabowo Subianto has prioritized the response, ensuring adequate equipment and infrastructure for field teams. Haze from the fires has impacted air travel and public health, prompting measures like enhanced health post support and coordination with health authorities. The government continues to monitor transboundary haze risks and maintain inter-agency cooperation.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of government actions against wildfires in Kalimantan, emphasizing operational strategies and resource allocation without overtly favoring any political ideology. While the subject involves government action, the framing remains neutral, focusing on technical,灾
Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed information about BNPB's actions, citing specific numbers like 30 helicopters and mentioning the involvement of BMKG. It reports on the cause of the fires (peatland fires) and the government's response, aligning with common reporting on the issue. While no primary sourc
Why objectivity (80): The tone remains professional and informative, focusing on the facts of the situation and the government's response. There is some emphasis on the severity of the problem but no overt bias or emotional language.
Antara NewsState / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 808/22/2026
Indonesia has deployed eight aircraft to tackle worsening forest and land fires in West Kalimantan, with six based at the Supadio Air Force Base conducting air patrols and water bombing, and two moved to Ketapang district to address high hotspot concentrations. Air Commodore Sidik Setyono reported that districts like Ketapang, Kubu Raya, and Mempawah have the most active fire points. Cloud seeding materials are ready for deployment to encourage rainfall. A Sikorsky UH-60L helicopter was used to suppress a fire in Mekar Sari village. The provincial government is coordinating both ground and aerial efforts to mitigate the disaster, noting that the number of high-category hotspots decreased from 521 to 224 over two days.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the government's coordinated response to a natural disaster without overt ideological framing. It reports on military and governmental actions without taking sides or promoting specific political agendas. The focus remains on operational details and the
Why factuality (85): The article provides specific details about the deployment of eight aircraft, including types of operations like air patrols, water bombing, and cloud seeding. It cites statements from Air Commodore Sidik Setyono and Ridwan, aligning with cross-source consensus on the scale and nature of the wildfir
Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, focusing on operational details and official statements. There is no overt bias or emotional language, though some phrases like 'surging forest and land fires' may carry slight emphasis, but overall the reporting is balanced.
Tempo (English)IndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 858/23/2026
Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has directed authorities to accelerate and coordinate their efforts in responding to forest fires in Kalimantan. The directive aims to improve the efficiency of firefighting operations and mitigate the environmental and health impacts caused by the fires. These fires often occur during dry seasons and pose significant risks to local communities, wildlife, and air quality. Prabowo’s emphasis on coordination suggests a focus on inter-agency collaboration to address the crisis more effectively.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a directive issued by a high-ranking official regarding a national environmental issue. It does not exhibit clear ideological framing, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. The content focuses on actions taken by the government to manage a crisis, which is presented neutrall
Why factuality (80): This article confirms the key facts about the government's response, including Prabowo's orders and the coordination efforts. It aligns with the Antara report on the scope of the fires and the need for a faster response. No primary source is available, but the content matches the broader narrative.
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting the government's actions and directives without apparent bias. It focuses on the necessity of a coordinated response rather than taking sides or expressing opinion.
Tempo (English)IndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 708/21/2026
The article reports on Indonesia's increased use of cloud seeding as a strategy to combat wildfires in Kalimantan. The technique involves dispersing substances into clouds to encourage precipitation, aiming to reduce fire risk by increasing humidity and moisture levels. While cloud seeding has been used in various regions for drought mitigation, its effectiveness in wildfire suppression remains debated among scientists. The Indonesian government has reportedly expanded efforts in this area, highlighting the growing urgency to address environmental challenges linked to climate change and deforestation.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about a government initiative without overtly endorsing or criticizing the approach. It provides factual context about the method and its potential implications without taking a clear ideological stance. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the technical aspects,
Why factuality (65): The article title and content suggest a focus on cloud seeding efforts in Kalimantan, but the text is incomplete and lacks detailed information. It mentions the goal of weather modification but does not provide specifics on operations, dates, or outcomes. This lack of detail makes it harder to verif
Why objectivity (70): The tone is somewhat promotional, suggesting the effectiveness of weather modification without providing sufficient evidence. While it doesn't overtly favor one side, the emphasis on potential benefits may subtly influence the reader's perception, affecting objectivity.
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