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.

Kubu Raya Government Promotes Religious Tourism Through Annual Events

Ria Sartika    Monday, March 30, 2026    Comment   

Kubu Raya Government Promotes Religious Tourism Through Annual Events

Kubu Raya promotes religious tourism through annual events like Selawat Akbar, Lunar New Year, and Christmas to boost tourism and local economy.

The Kubu Raya Regency Government has begun transforming its annual religious events into a structured religious tourism program. The initiative aims to strengthen the tourism sector while reinforcing spiritual values and social harmony within the community.

Kubu Raya Regent, Sujiwo, stated that several religious activities have been officially included in the region’s annual calendar and will be packaged more attractively to draw visitors.

“We have set four major Islamic events, including torch parades, Eid celebrations, Selawat Akbar, and Islamic New Year commemorations. Moving forward, these will also be developed as part of religious tourism in Kubu Raya,” Sujiwo said in Sungai Raya on Sunday.

Strong Potential For Religious Tourism

According to Sujiwo, events such as Selawat Akbar—often held during the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday or Isra Mikraj—have strong potential to attract large crowds, including visitors from outside the region.

Importantly, the religious tourism concept in Kubu Raya is designed to be inclusive, involving multiple faiths and cultural celebrations.

“We are also organizing events such as Lunar New Year celebrations, Christmas gatherings, Vesak, Nyepi, and more. These can become tourism attractions based on diversity and tolerance,” he explained.

This inclusive approach is expected to strengthen interfaith harmony while positioning Kubu Raya as a unique destination for cultural and spiritual tourism.

Boosting Local Economy Through Events

Beyond social and cultural benefits, the initiative is also expected to generate economic opportunities for local communities.

An increase in visitor numbers during religious celebrations could directly benefit small businesses, including local food vendors, micro-enterprises, and service providers.

With well-organized and scheduled events, the government aims to establish Kubu Raya as a leading religious tourism destination in West Kalimantan.

Gaforaya Roundabout As Activity Hub

To support this development, the government is also highlighting Bundaran Gaforaya as a new regional landmark.

The area is considered a strategic public space for hosting religious, cultural, and artistic events.

“We hope Gaforaya Roundabout becomes a shared public space that can be used by all communities,” Sujiwo said.

Call To Maintain Public Facilities

However, Sujiwo emphasized the importance of maintaining public facilities to ensure they remain clean, orderly, and comfortable for use.

He encouraged residents to develop a sense of ownership and responsibility toward public spaces.

“These facilities are built for the community, so they must be preserved together to ensure long-term benefits,” he concluded.

FAQ

1. What is religious tourism in Kubu Raya?
It refers to tourism activities centered around religious events that are organized to attract visitors.

2. What events are included?
Torch parades, Eid celebrations, Selawat Akbar, Lunar New Year, Christmas, Vesak, Nyepi, and more.

3. What is the goal of this initiative?
To boost tourism, strengthen interfaith harmony, and support the local economy.

4. Where will the main events take place?
One of the key locations is Gaforaya Roundabout, a new public landmark.

5. Is this only for certain religious groups?
No, the program is inclusive and involves multiple religions and communities.