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Kalimantan wildfires: BNPB resumes intensive cloud seeding efforts
ID🏛️ PoliticsCenter14 hr. ago

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 Indonesian government has launched a major investigation into four corporations linked to recent severe forest fires in Kalimantan, according to official reports. The fires, which have caused widespread haze and environmental damage, are being traced back to suspected illegal land-clearing practices, prompting legal action against corporate entities. Authorities have confirmed that the probe involves both private companies and state-linked organizations, though specific names have not yet been disclosed. The investigation follows months of escalating blazes that have persisted despite ongoing efforts to suppress them. Firefighters and emergency services have struggled to contain the flames due to the challenging terrain and the presence of peatland fires, which burn deep beneath the soil and are notoriously difficult to extinguish. The situation has worsened over the past week, with prolonged dry spells contributing to the spread of the fires. According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the majority of active fires are concentrated in West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan, with the region experiencing hazardous levels of haze affecting air quality and public health. BNPB head Suharyanto described the challenges posed by the fires, emphasizing that peatland fires require more than just surface-level intervention. “Even when the surface appears extinguished, fires can continue smoldering underground,” he noted. He stressed the importance of sustained rainfall in fully rewetting the peat and eliminating subsurface combustion. In response, BNPB has intensified its cloud-seeding operations using salt-based techniques to induce precipitation, while deploying 30 helicopters for water bombing and aerial surveillance. Ground teams have also received additional resources, including up to 100 water trucks per province, to assist in localized fire suppression efforts. President Prabowo Subianto has taken a direct interest in the crisis, ordering accelerated and coordinated responses to the fires. During inspections in hard-hit areas of West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan, he directed officials to prioritize resource allocation and infrastructure improvements to support field teams. His administration has also prioritized the deployment of international assistance, including foreign aircraft, to enhance firefighting capabilities. The president expressed confidence that the situation would improve, stating, “With all of these efforts, we are optimistic that forest and land fires in Kalimantan can soon be brought under control.” Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have begun investigating potential criminal liability among corporate actors. Police chief statements confirm that arrests have already been made, though details remain limited. The focus of the inquiry includes allegations of illegal land clearing, which is often associated with deforestation and the expansion of palm oil plantations. Environmental advocates have long criticized such practices for their contribution to biodiversity loss and climate change, and the current fires represent one of the worst outbreaks in years. The government has also addressed the health impacts of the haze, coordinating with the Ministry of Health and local authorities to reinforce integrated health posts in affected regions. These facilities provide essential care for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Air traffic has been monitored closely, with flights at several airports operating safely despite temporary reductions in visibility caused by the smoke. Officials continue to assess the long-term effects of the haze on public health and regional air quality. As the investigation unfolds, the government remains committed to addressing both the immediate crisis and the broader environmental concerns. With continued efforts focused on fire suppression, legal accountability, and public health protection, the outlook for Kalimantan’s forests remains uncertain, but the government has signaled determination to restore order and mitigate further damage.

11 reports

Antara News logoAntara NewsState / PublicCenterFactual 100Objective 100yesterday
Indonesian govt investigates four firms over West Kalimantan fires

Indonesian authorities are investigating four companies in West Kalimantan Province for alleged involvement in forest and land fires. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that the government will take strict legal actions, including potential revocation of operating licenses, if violations are confirmed. The investigation is part of broader efforts to enforce laws against those responsible for starting fires. No information has yet been provided regarding similar allegations in Central Kalimantan, where further investigations are ongoing. President Prabowo emphasized the importance of strict law enforcement in these cases.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on government actions and official statements without overtly favoring any side. It presents the government's stance on enforcing laws against corporate violations related to forest fires but does not include opposing viewpoints or criticisms. However, the neutrality of the tone,

Why factuality (100): The article provides detailed and accurate information about the government investigating four corporations related to the fires. This is corroborated by other sources and includes specific quotes from officials.

Why objectivity (100): The article is completely neutral, presenting the facts without taking sides or expressing any personal opinion or emotion.

Tempo (English) logoTempo (English)IndependentCenterFactual 100Objective 100yesterday
4 Corporations Investigated Over Kalimantan Forest Fires, Govt Says

The Indonesian government has announced that four corporations are under investigation for their potential involvement in forest fires in Kalimantan. These fires have raised environmental concerns due to their impact on biodiversity and local communities. The investigation comes amid growing pressure on companies operating in the region to adhere to stricter environmental regulations. Authorities are examining whether these firms violated laws related to land clearing and fire prevention. This development highlights ongoing challenges in balancing economic activities with environmental protection in Indonesia.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on an official statement regarding corporate investigations into forest fires, presenting the information neutrally without apparent bias toward any particular political stance. It does not include commentary or framing that suggests a leaning towards either side of the political

Why factuality (100): The article accurately summarizes the government's investigation into four corporations regarding the Kalimantan fires. It is consistent with other sources and provides clear factual information.

Why objectivity (100): The article is entirely objective, presenting the information without bias or emotional language.

Antara News logoAntara NewsState / PublicCenterFactual 100Objective 100yesterday
Indonesia deploys 1,500 troops, six helicopters to fight fires

Indonesia has deployed 1,500 military personnel and six helicopters to combat ongoing forest and land fires in West Kalimantan. The deployment was announced by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, who stated that three TNI battalions will assist in extinguishing remaining hotspots. The effort follows a coordination meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto at Supadio Air Force Base, where he reviewed the wildfire situation and ordered a coordinated response. Prabowo also visited affected areas in Limbung Village to assess mitigation efforts. Authorities are enhancing cloud-seeding operations and conducting aerial water-bombing using the helicopters. The fires have burned over 38,310 hectares since January 2026, prompting intensified government action.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on government actions regarding wildfires without overt ideological slant. It emphasizes the deployment of military resources and coordination under presidential leadership, but does not take a partisan stance on the effectiveness or necessity of these measures.

Why factuality (100): The article accurately describes the deployment of 1,500 troops and six helicopters to combat the fires in West Kalimantan. It includes specific numbers and details that match other sources.

Why objectivity (100): The article is completely objective, presenting the facts without any bias or emotional language.

Antara News logoAntara NewsState / PublicCenterFactual 100Objective 100yesterday
President heads to Kalimantan to lead forest fire response

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto traveled to Kalimantan to oversee the response to ongoing forest and land fires. According to a statement from Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, the president directed senior military and police officials to coordinate with regional authorities to manage the fires in four Kalimantan provinces. Specific commanders were assigned to different regions to ensure rapid and integrated firefighting efforts. The government emphasized swift action to restore normalcy for local communities and pledged legal action against those responsible for illegal land burning. The visit underscores the administration's focus on both immediate disaster management and long-term environmental regulation.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the president's actions and directives without overtly praising or criticizing his leadership. It focuses on the administrative coordination between national and local authorities, emphasizing the government's commitment to environmental protection and law.

Why factuality (100): The article provides a comprehensive account of Prabowo's travel to Kalimantan and his leadership in fire response efforts. It includes direct quotes and is consistent with other sources covering the same event.

Why objectivity (100): The article is perfectly neutral, presenting the events as they occurred without any indication of favoritism or bias.

Tempo (English) logoTempo (English)IndependentCenterFactual 100Objective 1002 days ago
How Police Are Probing Kalimantan Forest Fires

The article discusses the ongoing investigation by Indonesian police into forest fires in Kalimantan, which have been linked to illegal land clearing activities. The fires, primarily occurring in peatland areas, have caused significant environmental damage and raised concerns about enforcement of environmental laws. Authorities are examining potential criminal charges against individuals responsible for the blazes, including those involved in illegal logging and land conversion. The situation highlights broader challenges in combating deforestation and enforcing regulations in Indonesia’s tropical regions.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the police investigation into forest fires without overtly favoring any political stance. It focuses on the legal and environmental implications of the fires rather than taking a clear ideological position. While the issue has political dimensions due to its

Why factuality (100): The article accurately describes how the police are investigating the Kalimantan forest fires. It provides factual details without embellishment or distortion.

Why objectivity (100): The article is completely objective, presenting the investigative process without any subjective commentary or emotional language.

Tempo (English) logoTempo (English)IndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 95yesterday
Prabowo Confident Kalimantan Forest Fires Will Soon Be Under Control

The article reports that Prabowo Subianto, a prominent Indonesian politician and former military leader, expressed confidence that forest fires in Kalimantan will soon be under control. The statement comes amid ongoing concerns over deforestation and environmental degradation in the region. While the article highlights Prabowo’s assurance, it does not provide specific details on the measures being taken or the current status of the fires. The focus appears to be on his personal stance rather than comprehensive updates on the situation.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Prabowo's confidence regarding the control of forest fires but does not take a clear ideological stance. It focuses on his statement without providing additional commentary or contrasting viewpoints, resulting in a balanced presentation.

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports that Prabowo expressed confidence that the fires would soon be under control. This aligns with other sources mentioning his leadership role and positive outlook on the situation.

Why objectivity (95): The article presents the claim objectively, without indicating whether the confidence is justified or not, maintaining neutrality.

Antara News logoAntara NewsState / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 90yesterday
Prabowo inspects West Kalimantan fires, orders coordinated response

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited fire-affected areas in West Kalimantan to assess the situation firsthand and direct a coordinated response to ongoing forest and land fires. During his inspection, he emphasized the importance of accurate assessments and a swift, field-focused approach to managing the crisis. Prabowo was joined by several high-ranking officials, including members of the military, police, and disaster management agencies. The visit followed a coordination meeting where officials discussed strategies to address the fires and prevent future occurrences. Prabowo also called on local governments to enforce regulations and implement stronger preventive measures.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of President Prabowo's actions and directives regarding the wildfires in West Kalimantan. It includes quotes and instructions from Prabowo but does not exhibit biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The report focuses on the coordination,灾

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports President Prabowo's inspection of the fires in West Kalimantan, including his actions, the presence of officials, and the context of a prior coordination meeting. It aligns with the cross-source consensus that the government is taking direct action to address the fires

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the events neutrally, focusing on facts and official statements. While it emphasizes the government's proactive stance, it does not overtly criticize or praise specific policies, maintaining a balanced tone.

Tempo (English) logoTempo (English)IndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 802 days ago
Police Chief Confirms Arrests Over Kalimantan Forest Fires

The police chief has confirmed that arrests have been made related to forest fires in Kalimantan. The incident involves illegal land clearing activities that have led to significant environmental damage. Authorities are investigating the responsible parties and enforcing legal actions against those involved in the fires. This development highlights ongoing challenges in combating deforestation and illegal activities in the region.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding law enforcement actions without overtly favoring any political ideology. It focuses on the confirmation of arrests by authorities, which is a neutral report of governmental action rather than advocacy for specific policies or ideologies.

Why factuality (75): The article reports that a police chief has confirmed arrests related to forest fires in Kalimantan. While no primary source document was available, this claim aligns with cross-source consensus indicating ongoing legal actions against individuals responsible for illegal burning. The information app

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the information in a neutral tone, focusing on the confirmation by an authority figure without expressing personal opinion or bias. It avoids emotionally charged language and frames the event as a matter of public record.

Antara News logoAntara NewsState / PublicCenter14 hr. ago
Indonesia says 3 million exposed to wildfire smoke, urges masks

Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin reported that approximately 3 million people have been exposed to smoke from ongoing forest and land fires, which have spread across 87 districts in seven provinces. The minister warned that PM2.5 particles from the smoke can cause serious respiratory issues, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung conditions. He urged citizens to wear masks and monitor air quality using official apps to minimize health risks. The government also advised seeking medical attention for symptoms such as shortness of breath or severe eye irritation. Related reports indicated potential cross-border impacts of the smoke and disruptions to local transportation.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the health impact of wildfire smoke and governmental recommendations without overtly favoring any political ideology. It focuses on public health advisories and does not take a stance on the underlying causes of the fires or assign blame, maintaining a

Antara News logoAntara NewsState / PublicCenter18 hr. ago
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.

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

Tempo (English) logoTempo (English)IndependentCenteryesterday
Prabowo Orders Faster, Coordinated Response to Kalimantan Forest Fires

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

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