KUALA KURUN – The Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) of Gunung Mas Regency has called for the importance of comprehensive collaboration between the government and the community in anticipating forest and land fires (karhutla). This collective effort is considered crucial to face the potential surge in hotspots ahead of the peak of the dry season in 2026.
Secretary of Commission I of the Gunung Mas DPRD, Rayaniatie Djangkan, emphasized that handling forest and land fire disasters cannot be solely burdened to the local government. According to her, commitment and real action are needed from various elements, ranging from security forces, the private sector, to communities at the village level, to make this prevention a joint movement.
The legislator from the National Mandate Party (PAN) also appreciated the preparedness of the Gunung Mas Regency Government along with the TNI, Polri, and BPBD in holding troop roll calls and preparing equipment. She also urged residents to avoid burning methods when clearing agricultural land and to immediately report to authorities if they find hotspots.
Rayaniatie explained that the impact of forest and land fires is multidimensional, ranging from ecosystem damage, threat of respiratory diseases, decreased economic productivity, to the disruption of teaching and learning activities in schools. Therefore, public education, integrated patrols, and supervision in disaster-prone areas must continue to be consistently intensified.
To ensure the success of the "Smoke-Free Gunung Mas 2026" target, the DPRD ensures full support in terms of policy, supervisory functions, and regional budgeting. Strong synergy is expected to preserve the environment of Central Kalimantan while ensuring sustainable development without the disruption of haze.
