Forest and fire hotspots have declined to 96, but rising detections in Central Kalimantan and persistent underground peat fires continue to pose challenges to firefighting efforts.
The Forestry Ministry said high-confidence hotspots declined by 64 nationwide on Saturday, although Central Kalimantan recorded an increase from 12 to 15 hotspots.
Of the 96 hotspots detected nationwide, 19 were recorded across six priority provinces, with 15 in Central Kalimantan, three in South Sumatra and one in South Kalimantan.
“Central Kalimantan remains one of the main priorities in forest and land fire control efforts.
“The nature of peatlands means firefighting operations take longer, as fires can continue burning and spreading underground even after surface flames have been extinguished or rainfall has occurred,” it said in an update.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni had inspected previously affected areas in Central Kalimantan to assess conditions and ensure continued monitoring and enforcement.
A total of 61 aircraft remained deployed for firefighting operations, including 24 for aerial patrols and weather modification, and 37 helicopters for water bombing. — Bernama
