38 hotspots detected in South Kalimantan's Tabalong District

Tanjung, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - As many as 38 hotspots of wildfires in Tabalong District, South Kalimantan, were detected by the satellite image of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 2023.

Head of Forest Protection of the Tabalong District's Forest Management Unit (KPH) Aris Setiawan said the number of hotspots detected were quite a lot in the north area and around the cement factory of PT Conch South Kalimantan.

"28 hotspots were detected around the Conch cement factory and the rest in a number of subdistricts," he said here on Wednesday.

In addition to cement factory owned by Chinese investor located in Saradang Village, Haruai Subdistrict, hotspots were detected in land area outside forest estate (APL) and production forest.

The hotspots were scattered in the villages of Pasar Batu, Banyu Tajun, Pulau Ku'u, Panaan, Wirang, Salikung, Nawin, Dambung Raya, Bintang Ara and Garagata.

Aris said of the 38 hotspots a number of forest and land fires (karhutla) occurred in Pasar Batu Villages, Muara Uya Subdistrict, covering an area of 1 hectare, and Banyu Tajun Village, Tanjung Subdistrict, 0.5 hectare.

Head of Community Development Unit of the Tabalong Police AKP Samsu Suargana said the police will activate Bina Karuna 2023 Operation as an effort to prevent forest and land fires.

"Anyone who burns forest and land intentionally will be punished according to applicable law," Samsu explained.

In Law No. 41 of 1999 concerning Forestry, the perpetrators of forest and land fires carry a maximum sentensce of 15 years in jail and a fine of IDR7.5 billion.

As a preventive effort, the community is reminded to protect forest and land from fires.