BMKG Predicts Peak Dry Season In North Kalimantan July–August 2026, Residents Urged To Stay Alert

Robert Starling    Tuesday, May 05, 2026    Comment   

BMKG Predicts Peak Dry Season In North Kalimantan July–August 2026, Residents Urged To Stay Alert

BMKG predicts North Kalimantan’s peak dry season in July–August 2026, with rising temperatures and increased risk of forest fires. (Illustration image)

Tanjung Selor — The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) says North Kalimantan is heading toward the peak of its dry season in mid-2026, with the hottest and driest period expected between July and August.

Weather forecaster Sylvi Yulianti from BMKG Tanjung Harapan explained that the transition toward the dry season is already underway in May. While sunny conditions are becoming more common, rain hasn’t completely disappeared yet.

Sylvi Yulianti noted that even though daytime temperatures are starting to feel intense, there’s still a chance of localized rain, especially in the late afternoon and evening across several areas in North Kalimantan.

According to BMKG’s early May 2026 data, temperatures have already climbed in some regions. Bulungan Regency recorded the highest temperature so far, reaching 35.9 degrees Celsius on May 2–3.

That spike in heat is seen as an early warning sign of rising risks, especially drought and forest and land fires.

Responding to the situation, North Kalimantan Governor Zainal A. Paliwang called on residents to stay vigilant, particularly in areas with peatlands and forest coverage that are more prone to fires.

Zainal A. Paliwang emphasized the importance of community awareness, urging people to avoid burning trash or clearing land using fire, which could easily spread under hot and dry conditions.

Zainal A. Paliwang also encouraged residents to speak up if they notice risky activities nearby, as early prevention is key to avoiding large-scale fires.

Local authorities, along with BMKG, will continue monitoring weather developments and advising the public to stay updated through official channels as the dry season approaches.

FAQ

1. When is the peak dry season in North Kalimantan in 2026?
It’s expected to peak between July and August 2026.

2. Is May already part of the dry season?
Not fully. May is still a transition period with hot days and occasional local rain.

3. Which area recorded the highest temperature?
Bulungan Regency hit the highest temperature at 35.9°C.

4. What are the main risks during the dry season?
The biggest risks are drought and forest or land fires.

5. What is the government advising residents to do?
Residents are urged not to burn land or trash and to help monitor their surroundings.

Kubu Raya Regent Urges Police To Arrest Land Burners Amid Fire Risks

Ria Sartika    Monday, March 30, 2026    Comment   

Kubu Raya Regent Urges Police To Arrest Land Burners Amid Fire Risks

Kubu Raya Regent Sujiwo urges police to arrest land burners as forest fires threaten health, education, and the economy during the dry season. (Illustration image)

KUBU RAYA – Kubu Raya Regent, Sujiwo, emphasized that forest and land fires (karhutla) are not just environmental issues but also pose serious threats to multiple strategic sectors. As the region enters a transition toward a prolonged dry season, the risk of fires is expected to rise significantly.

Speaking in Sungai Raya on Monday, Sujiwo firmly called on the police to take swift and decisive action against those responsible for land burning.

“The impact of these fires is very broad. It’s not just about burned land and haze, but it can paralyze many sectors. That’s why I have asked the Police Chief to arrest those responsible for land burning,” Sujiwo said.

Threat To Education And Public Health

Sujiwo explained that haze caused by forest fires can severely disrupt educational activities. In unhealthy air conditions, schools may be forced to suspend teaching and learning processes to protect students and staff.

In addition, the health sector faces serious risks. Cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI) often increase during haze events, posing a major threat to public health.

He stressed that this situation must be taken seriously to prevent a recurrence of past incidents.

Disrupting Transportation And Investment

The economic sector is also heavily affected by forest fires. One of the most immediate impacts is disruption to air transportation due to reduced visibility caused by haze.

“If flights are disrupted, economic movement will also be affected, including investment activities in the region,” he explained.

Disruptions in goods distribution and public mobility can slow economic growth and potentially reduce investor confidence.

Prevention Is The Key

In response to these risks, Sujiwo highlighted the importance of preventive measures. He urged the public not to clear land by burning under any circumstances.

The local government, along with regional leadership forums, continues to intensify public awareness campaigns to increase understanding of the dangers of forest fires.

“On behalf of the government and regional leaders, we urge the public to exercise restraint. Do not burn land because the impact is enormous for all of us,” he stressed.

Shared Responsibility

According to Sujiwo, handling forest fires cannot rely solely on the government and law enforcement. Active participation from the community is essential.

He encouraged residents to play a role in protecting the environment by simply avoiding land burning practices.

“Forest fires are a shared responsibility. The public doesn’t need to help extinguish fires—just by not burning land, that already helps significantly,” he concluded.

FAQ

1. What are the main impacts of forest fires in Kubu Raya?
They affect public health (ARI cases), education (school closures), and the economy (transportation and investment disruptions).

2. Why is land burning prohibited?
Because it can trigger large-scale fires that are difficult to control and produce harmful haze.

3. What actions is the government taking?
The government focuses on prevention, public awareness, and strict law enforcement against offenders.

4. How can the public help prevent forest fires?
By avoiding land burning and reporting suspicious activities.

5. What are the health risks of haze exposure?
The main risk is respiratory illness, especially among children and the elderly.