Rain finally eases months-long fire battle in South Kalimantan
Volunteer firefighters in South Kalimantan celebrated as rain fell after more than 100 days of dry conditions that fueled forest and land fires.
Volunteer fire-fighters in South Kalimantan spent about four months battling forest and land fires near the border of Kaliukan and Sungai Alat villages in Astambul district, Banjar regency. Their efforts were hampered by a dry spell lasting more than 100 days, during which fires burned across 1,754.30 hectares. On October 25, rain finally broke the drought, prompting volunteers—still in protective gear—to hold hands and kneel in gratitude on the road.
The rain also soaked Banjarbaru, aiding fire suppression and lifting the city’s air quality to a moderate level, with PM2.5 measured at 28.8 µg/m³ on October 26. The event highlights the vulnerability of the region to prolonged dry periods and the importance of weather relief for fire control.
Why it matters
Rain ending a prolonged dry spell helps curb destructive fires and improves air quality for local communities.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Civil groups sue Indonesian government over West Kalimantan fire negligence
- Oct 10 The class‑action suit moved to a hearing in Pontianak, where no defendants were present.
- Oct 15 The government, led by Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu, is gathering evidence and keeping legal options open as PSI levels in western Singapore entered the very unhealthy range. The 2014 law allows fines up to S$100,000 per day, capped at S$2 million, for companies whose fires produce prolonged haze. Enforcement has been challenging, with limited data from Indonesian authorities and four firms still under investigation. Fu also urged Indonesia to curb the fires and called for ASEAN cooperation.
- Oct 16 President Prabowo appointed army general Kristomei Sianturi to lead BNPB.
- Oct 16 Indonesia formally accepted regional assistance and technical talks on its implementation are underway.
- Oct 16 Legal notices were served on seven Indonesian firms for their role in the haze.
- Oct 19 Student Alliance of Gadjah Mada University addressed ASEAN Secretary‑General urging scrutiny of Indonesia’s compliance and acceptance of regional firefighting support.
- Oct 19 Malaysia specified that it will provide three helicopters and 52 firefighters to support Indonesia’s fire‑fighting efforts.
- Oct 20 Indonesia’s BNPB and army chief launched a joint firefighting push in Central Kalimantan.
- Oct 22 President Prabowo publicly blamed corporations and pledged to identify them.
- Oct 23 Malaysia said it will raise the haze issue with Indonesia at the upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting.
- Oct 23 Energy minister Bahlil announced a review of Indonesia's gas allocation, aiming to shift more supply toward local petrochemical use.
- Oct 25 Indonesia announced the cut in pipeline gas shipments to Singapore.
- Oct 27 Walhi released an Actor Mapping Analysis that names 21 Malaysian‑linked firms.
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