inp.polri.go.id - Pontianak. Forest and land fires are threatening the YIARI Orangutan Rehabilitation Center in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, prompting the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to deploy water bombing operations to expedite extinguishing efforts.
"The fire was detected on July 22, 2024, at KM 5 of the Ketapang-Tanjungpura Road, Sungai Awan Kiri Village, Delta Pawan District, approximately one kilometer from the YIARI orangutan rehabilitation center," said Argitoe Ranting, Director of YIARI Program Operations, in Ketapang on Thursday (7/23/2026).
A joint team from the Ketapang Regency Karhutla Task Force, consisting of BNPB, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Manggala Agni, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (INP), supported by YIARI and PT MoPaKha, is still conducting firefighting and monitoring efforts at the site.
Based on preliminary monitoring, the area affected by the fire is estimated to reach 15 hectares, although data collection is still ongoing by the team in the field.
To reach fire hotspots that are difficult to control by land, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) deployed water bombing support to several locations as part of an integrated effort to prevent the fire from spreading to the rehabilitation facility and surrounding forest areas.
Argitoe Ranting stated that the safety of the orangutans and other animals at the rehabilitation center is a top priority, and all animals are currently safe and are being monitored by a team of veterinarians and animal keepers.
"Since the fire was detected, the entire team has moved quickly to implement emergency response procedures to ensure the safety of the orangutans and other animals, while also supporting fire control efforts in the surrounding area," he said.
Efendi, Acting Head of the Manggala Agni Kalimantan X/Ketapang Operations Area, stated that the handling of forest and land fires around the orangutan rehabilitation center demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting forests, wildlife, and public safety.
"We urge the public to refrain from burning land and to immediately report any indications of fire so that they can be addressed as early as possible," he said.
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