Inp.polri.go.id - Sampit. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of East Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan, is urging the public and relevant sectors to stay alert for potential natural disasters, particularly forest and land fires, during the expected dry season from August to September.

"The dry season will be short—around three months—but we must remain vigilant. Hopefully, rain will return by August or September," said BPBD Head Multazam on Wednesday (16/4/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

Recent coordination with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Palangka Raya suggests rainfall will begin to decline in July, increasing fire risk during the following months. This year’s dry season is also predicted to be hotter than the previous year.

BPBD strongly advises against land clearing through burning, citing severe fire episodes in 2015, 2019, and 2023. Fire-prone areas include Teluk Sampit, Seranau, Mentaya Hilir (South and North), Pulau Hanaut, Cempaga, and parts of Parenggean.

Multazam also stressed the need for early preparation, especially by local businesses and communities in vulnerable zones. 

(mg/inp/pr/nm)