Indonesia still fighting over 22,500-ha fires with central Kalimantan worst hit

“Still under response” describes land where firefighting and related emergency operations were continuing. The figure captures the area covered by the ongoing response, rather than proving that every hectare was actively burning at that moment. This distinction matters because fire conditions can change quickly, with some areas contained while others remain dangerous.

For example, Indonesia reported approximately 22,595 hectares under response. Of that total, 21,404 hectares were in six priority provinces on Sumatra and Kalimantan, while 1,243.70 hectares were elsewhere, including Java, Sulawesi, and Maluku. Authorities had deployed personnel and helicopters to support operations.

The latest reported situation was therefore one of continuing emergency action, not a completed cleanup. Indonesia was also assessing international assistance, including advanced equipment and technology unavailable domestically. The response could continue until fires are controlled and affected areas no longer require active firefighting support.

Twenty-two thousand five hundred ninety-five hectares equals about 226 square kilometres, or roughly 87 square miles. That is a very large area for emergency crews to monitor and suppress. The scale helps explain why Indonesia used tens of thousands of personnel and dozens of helicopters across several provinces.

Central Kalimantan held the largest concentration. The province had approximately 16,097 hectares under response. Dividing that figure by the national total gives about 71 percent. It was followed by South Kalimantan with 1,506 hectares and West Kalimantan with 1,370 hectares. Together, Kalimantan accounted for approximately 18,973 hectares.

The concentration matters because resources must be directed toward the areas with the greatest remaining response burden. Sumatra accounted for about 2,431 hectares, including 2,050 hectares in South Sumatra. The reported figures show a response dominated by Kalimantan, especially Central Kalimantan.

The firefighting effort involved a large combined deployment of 71,878 personnel and 54 helicopters. The article does not identify every agency or individual task, but it shows that Indonesia organized both ground and air support. This matters because fires spread across wide, difficult-to-reach areas and require coordinated operations.

Personnel provide the main on-the-ground response, including firefighting and related support. Helicopters add aerial capacity. They can help crews observe fire locations, reach isolated areas, and support suppression operations. The reported deployment covered South Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan.

The size of the deployment reflects the continuing scale of the emergency. However, the article also reports that Indonesia was assessing international assistance involving advanced equipment and technology unavailable domestically. That suggests the existing response was substantial, but authorities still saw potential gaps in capability.

Individuals and corporations are being investigated because police registered reports involving forest and land fires. Investigations help authorities determine who may be responsible for fires and whether legal action is justified. The cases include possible links to 22 corporations affiliated with foreign investments, but the article does not state that all those corporations were found responsible.

National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto said 286 reports involved individuals and 100 involved corporations. Police named 243 individuals and 13 corporations as suspects. These figures show that the process had moved beyond initial reports in some cases, while other cases remained under investigation.

Possible consequences include being formally named a suspect and facing further legal proceedings. Police had also recommended permit revocations in 23 corporate cases. The article does not specify final court penalties, so those outcomes should not be assumed. Permit action could affect whether companies continue operating under the relevant permissions.

The article does not explain why peat fires are difficult to extinguish. In general, peat is water-rich organic soil made from partly decayed plant material. When it becomes dry, it can burn slowly below the surface instead of producing only visible flames. This makes the fire harder to detect and reach.

A surface crew may suppress visible flames while heat remains underground. The fire can then continue smouldering through the peat and reappear elsewhere. Dry conditions, wind, and a lowered water table can make this process worse. Firefighters may need to find hidden hot spots and wet the ground deeply, not just cool the surface.

That hidden spread increases the time and resources needed for response. It also helps explain why a large area can remain under firefighting operations even after some flames have been controlled. In Indonesia’s case, the reported deployment of 71,878 personnel and 54 helicopters shows the challenge of managing fires across broad regions.

The article does not list health, environmental, or cross-border effects. Based on established knowledge, forest and land fires can release smoke and fine particles that worsen air quality and irritate the eyes and lungs. People with asthma, respiratory illness, or other vulnerabilities may face greater risks during smoky conditions.

Fires can also destroy vegetation and wildlife habitat. Animals may be killed, displaced, or cut off from food and shelter. Burning forests and peat releases carbon dioxide and other gases, adding to climate warming. Peat fires are especially concerning because large stores of carbon can be released when organic soil burns.

Smoke does not always remain where the fire starts. Winds can carry haze over long distances, potentially affecting neighbouring countries and international air quality. Indonesia’s continuing response therefore matters beyond the burned areas themselves. The article reports a large deployment and an assessment of international assistance, but it does not provide air-quality readings or confirmed cross-border impacts.

Indonesia may need international assistance when a disaster exceeds the capabilities or equipment available at home. The article specifically says authorities were assessing help involving advanced equipment and technology unavailable domestically. This matters because firefighting over a vast area requires tools that can improve detection, access, coordination, or suppression.

The reported response covered approximately 22,595 hectares. Indonesia had already deployed 71,878 personnel and 54 helicopters across six priority provinces. Even that large effort may leave technical gaps, especially when fires are spread across remote or difficult terrain. The article does not name the equipment or technology being considered.

International offers could therefore supplement, rather than replace, Indonesia’s existing operations. Berton Panjaitan said the country was welcoming offers from other countries. The immediate implication is continued assessment and coordination. If accepted, outside support could strengthen the response where domestic tools are insufficient, but the article does not state which offers will be used.