Central Kalimantan Governor Plants Trees on Fire-Hit Land
Central Kalimantan’s governor planted trees on fire-damaged land as officials backed restoration and health support for people exposed to haze.
TUMBANG NUSA, Indonesia — Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran planted trees in wildfire-damaged land on Saturday, as Indonesia confronts the linked challenges of restoring burned areas and protecting residents from smoke haze. The planting took place in Tumbang Nusa, Pulang Pisau regency, and formed part of environmental rehabilitation efforts.
The event highlighted a concern beyond extinguishing fires: damaged landscapes need recovery, while communities and field crews face the immediate effects of the disaster. Officials also provided food and supplies to residents, volunteers and personnel involved in the response.
Recovery alongside firefighting
Agustiar said fire response should include environmental restoration and community involvement. The governor urged residents and government agencies to work together to protect forests and the environment in the province.
“Fire management must be accompanied by efforts to restore the environment. The government invites the public to work together to preserve the forests and environment of Central Kalimantan,” Agustiar said.
The governor also thanked the people and institutions involved in firefighting and rehabilitation. He said cooperation was needed to ensure recovery extended beyond tree planting and encouraged continued care for affected areas.
The practical stakes are immediate: rehabilitation addresses the condition of burned land, while supplies help meet the needs of people working in affected areas and residents dealing with the fires’ consequences. The report did not specify the number of trees planted or the extent of the area involved.
Food and health support as haze persists
Maj. Gen. Zainul Arifin, commander of the Indonesian Army’s XXII/Tambun Bungai Regional Military Command, also stressed the importance of restoring the environment. He cited a hadith reported by Al-Bukhari on planting trees and said protecting nature was an act of good that should continue for future generations.
“This message teaches that doing good and protecting nature must continue in any circumstances for the sake of the survival of future generations,” Zainul said.
The activities included the Kuliner Merah Putih event organized by Bobon Santoso, which provided up to thousands of meal portions for fire crews, volunteers and residents affected by the fires. Organizers also distributed mineral water, snacks, medicines, vitamins, masks and other logistical supplies.
In Palangka Raya, the response also focused on health risks from smoke haze. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin visited health services and oxygen facilities for affected residents, including community health centers, an oxygen house and dr. Doris Sylvanus Regional General Hospital.
Budi said the visits were intended to assess facility readiness and identify needs. He urged people to limit unnecessary outdoor activity, particularly those considered vulnerable, and to wear masks to reduce exposure to smoke.
Agustiar said protecting the environment and the community required sustained cooperation. “These efforts require shared care and commitment so that the environment remains protected and the public is safe,” he said.
