Indonesia Deploys Medical Taskforce Amid Kalimantan Wildfires - News Directory 3

Indonesia Deploys Medical Taskforce Amid Kalimantan Wildfires

September 10, 2026 Robert Mitchell News
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Original source: en.antaranews.com

Indonesia has deployed a medical taskforce to treat approximately 113,000 residents suffering from acute respiratory infections caused by severe wildfires in Kalimantan, according to official reports. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka inspected the disaster response efforts across the region, where firefighting teams successfully extinguished 421 hectares of fires across six provinces. Vice President Gibran visited Palangka Raya in Central Kalimantan, Banjarbaru in South Kalimantan, and Kubu Raya in West Kalimantan to monitor containment operations firsthand. During his inspection tour, he emphasized that firefighting actions and public services must operate simultaneously. “Extinguishing fire hotspots and providing community services must run simultaneously, including meeting medical needs, access to education, availability of masks, vitamins, water, and logistics,” Gibran stated in an official release. He stressed that protection must focus particularly on vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities.

Public Apology and Regional Coordination in Kalimantan

While inspecting the Forest and Fire Control Post in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Gibran apologized to local residents over the persistent poor air quality and haze. According to ANTARA News, he conveyed that the central government would maintain its mitigation efforts in alignment with directives issued by President Prabowo Subianto. The Vice President urged both central and regional government bodies to strengthen coordination and provide clear, measurable follow-ups for any obstacles encountered in the field. Authorities have also been instructed to maintain long-term vigilance, as El Niño weather conditions are projected to persist until early 2027.

Innovative Firefighting Techniques and Peatland Management

Fire suppression operations have increasingly utilized specialized technology tailored to peatland terrain. Gibran reviewed the application of environmentally friendly surfactants formulated specifically for extinguishing underground peat fires. The specialized foam formulation helps water penetrate dense peat layers while forming a surface barrier, reducing overall water usage while effectively cooling underground embers. Thermal drone testing demonstrated that peatland temperatures dropped from approximately 130 degrees Celsius down to 30 degrees Celsius within one minute of application. Across the broader region, firefighters extinguished 421 hectares of blazes across six provinces.

Wildlife Protection and Smoke-Affected Animals

Indonesia Deploys Medical Taskforce Amid Kalimantan Wildfires
Photo: jawawa.id
In addition to human health and firefighting logistics, authorities have directed attention toward local wildlife populations threatened by heavy smoke. ANTARA News reported that Gibran ordered immediate medical care for smoke-affected orangutans in Kalimantan. The directive aligns with broader instructions from President Prabowo calling for comprehensive local and wildlife protection measures throughout ongoing forest fire response operations. Central Kalimantan authorities continue strict wildfire monitoring as active hotspots gradually decline across the province.

Wapres Gibran tinjau penanganan Karhutla di 3 provinsi Kalimantan

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