Central Kalimantan deploys firefighting teams as ceremony draws criticism

The Central Kalimantan provincial government has deployed combined personnel and firefighting resources to respond to forest and land fires as the province faces an escalating emergency.

The deployment was led by Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran during a troop assembly at the Isen Mulang Palace in Palangka Raya on Monday, 31 August 2026. The event brought together personnel from the Indonesian military (TNI), police (Polri), the provincial government and other agencies involved in tackling forest and land fires, locally known as karhutla.

The ceremony has since attracted attention on social media, with some users questioning the timing and ceremonial nature of the deployment while fires were already affecting parts of the province.

A social media post discussing the event said criticism arose because fires were reportedly already spreading when the firefighting fleet was dispatched. The post also questioned the urgency of holding a formal ceremony during an emergency situation.

>

Netizens question the timing of the ceremony

The Instagram post prompted criticism from several users, who questioned the decision to hold a formal ceremony while the fires were already burning.

One user, @blessinghome.art, wrote:

“Good grief... so much land has already been burned, so many residents are suffering from acute respiratory infections, and they’re still holding a ceremony like this 😤 as if they’re putting on a parade.”

Another user, @reffandoll, questioned whether a ceremony should come before action in responding to the disaster.

“A disaster like this, and the response starts with a ceremony first? Seriously... 🤦”

A third user, @nabeelaptr_, criticised what they described as a slow response to a problem that occurs every year.

“Even though this is a problem every year, the response seems really slow. Maybe they’re waiting until all the land is completely burned, or until the smoke enters their homes first, then they’ll go all out. And after all that, they still have time to make something like this.”

The comments centred on the timing of the ceremony and the perceived urgency of the response.

Government says deployment is part of emergency response

The Central Kalimantan government said the assembly was intended to strengthen coordination and ensure personnel were ready to respond to fires in the field.

According to the provincial government's Multimedia Centre, Agustiar formally dispatched a joint contingent comprising personnel from the regional military command, regional police and provincial civil servants. The personnel were instructed to immediately begin duties and work together with other agencies on the ground.

The provincial government also said the deployment was not merely a ceremonial activity but was intended to demonstrate the readiness of government agencies and security forces to respond to the fires.

Agustiar said the situation required cooperation rather than disputes over responsibility.

Central Kalimantan declares forest-fire emergency status

The deployment came as Central Kalimantan strengthened its response to forest and land fires.

The provincial government announced on 31 August that it had established an emergency response status for the 2026 forest and land fire disaster through Governor's Decree No. 100.3.3.1/230/2026.

The government said civil servants and volunteers would be deployed to reinforce teams already working in the field.

A separate provincial government report said an earlier disaster preparedness status had been in effect from 26 May to 31 October 2026. The latest emergency response designation was accompanied by the mobilisation of additional personnel and resources.

Civil servants and volunteers sent to support firefighters

Provincial civil servants were instructed to prepare equipment and personal protective gear for field operations. These included gloves, masks and boots, as well as tools such as axes, fire beaters, shovels and hoes.

The government said the additional personnel would support the main firefighting teams and help strengthen services for communities affected by the fires.

Agustiar also instructed personnel to work under a clear chain of command and coordinate with the TNI, Polri, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and other relevant agencies.

Governor stresses safety of personnel

Agustiar instructed all personnel involved in firefighting operations to prioritise their safety, follow standard operating procedures and use adequate personal protective equipment.

He also warned personnel against acting independently or taking unnecessary risks without instructions from field coordinators.

The governor said the success of the response should not be measured solely by whether fires were extinguished. It should also include protecting residents, safeguarding the environment and ensuring that personnel returned safely after carrying out their duties.

Command post planned in Palangka Raya

The provincial government said a main forest and land fire command post would be established at the Isen Mulang Palace to serve as a central coordination centre.

The facility is also planned to include a media centre, public kitchen, oxygen services and free health checks for residents.

The government has urged residents not to clear land by burning and to report even small fire hotspots to authorities so that fires can be tackled before they spread.

The social media discussion surrounding the deployment comes as Central Kalimantan's authorities are increasing personnel, equipment and coordination in response to the ongoing forest and land fire situation.