Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The government of Kotabaru District is educating the public on how to face drought and anticipate forest and land fires through 'Halo Kotabaru' talk show.
Kotabaru Regional Secretary Eka Saprudin welcomed the talk show as a means to inform people about forest and land fires.
He said almost half of Kotabaru's area is forest, so high vigilance is needed for forest and land fires, especially as dry season approaches.
“Kotabaru covers almost a quarter of South Kalimantan with an area of 9,442,46 km2 covering 22 sub-districts and 202 villages and urban villages. Given the vastness of the forest and land, we must anticipate wild fires, especially considering hot weather in the last few days,” he said here as reported on Thursday.
“By raising awareness about the danger of land burning, we gradually educate people about clearing land without burning, Because it is very dangerous, especialy during dry season, even the slightest gust of wind can spread the flame,” he explained.
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The local Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) continuously educate the public about the danger of forest and land fires through its preparedness program.
Each village is expected to be a resilient village.
He also informed the local government's preparedness in the event of forest fires.
“Every year, we budget contingency funds to anticipate and respond disasters. We prepares command posts, equipment, and other facilities,” he said.
Head of Kotabaru Meteoroly, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Erik Handono informed that the peak of dry season is expected to occur in August and October 2025.
“Based on shorter-than-usual forecast, we hope it wont' be long, as it could impact forest and land fires,” he said.
Head of the Kotabaru BPBD Hendra Indrayana expounded the preparedness measures for forest and land fires, including identifying fire-prone areas, increasing personnel readiness and capacity, and forming forest and land fire task force.
The talk show reflected the commitment of the regional government together with BPBD and BMKG providing information to the public on protecting the envirornment and reducing teh risk of disasters that could disrupt social and economic life. It also urges people to be prepared for dry season and prevent forest and land fires.
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