Forest and land fires threaten agricultural livelihoods in Sanggau, West Kalimantan, while the Samarinda city government in East Kalimantan is mapping alternative food suppliers to anticipate potential supply disruptions and price increases (13/10).

Forest and Land Fires Threaten Agriculture in Sanggau

Forest and land fires can damage productive farmland, disrupt farming activities, and affect the income of communities that depend on agriculture in Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan.

Indra Jamiluddin, head of post-disaster rehabilitation at the Sanggau Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), said the impact of fires requires attention because it affects environmental sustainability and local economic activities.

Speaking during the RRI Sanggau Menyapa dialogue on October 13, 2026, Indra emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in preventing and managing fires.

“Forest and land fires can affect agricultural land and people's livelihoods, so prevention and response must be a shared responsibility,” Indra said.

He explained that fires could damage productive land and disrupt farming, particularly when flames spread to areas used by communities for cultivation. Smoke from fires can also interfere with daily activities and increase the risk of health problems, potentially affecting people's productivity.

Forest Fires Pose Economic Risks to Local Communities

The economic impact of forest and land fires can affect farmers and other residents whose income depends on agricultural products and the use of land.

“The impact of forest and land fires is not only felt in terms of the environment, but can also affect people's activities and the economy if land that serves as a source of livelihood is damaged,” Indra said.

He said prevention efforts should include raising public awareness, monitoring areas vulnerable to fires, and strengthening early response measures to reduce the risk of greater losses.

Indra called on residents, local governments, and relevant parties to remain alert to potential fires, particularly during dry weather. He also stressed the importance of coordinated prevention, rapid response, and planned post-disaster recovery to minimize the effects on agriculture and the local economy.

Samarinda Maps Alternative Food Suppliers

The Samarinda city government in East Kalimantan is identifying alternative food-producing regions to anticipate potential supply disruptions caused by forest and land fires.

The initiative aims to maintain the availability of essential goods and control food prices if fires in supplier regions reduce the volume of goods delivered to the city.

Marnabas Patiroy, assistant to the Samarinda regional secretary, said reduced supply could contribute to higher prices for essential goods. The city government is therefore strengthening cooperation with other regions, Perumda Varia Niaga, the state logistics agency Perum Bulog, and distributors.

Samarinda has traditionally sourced much of its food supply from Sulawesi and Java. However, the government is considering Banjarmasin and surrounding areas as alternative suppliers because they are relatively close to the city.

“If interregional cooperation is also needed during a shortage, we will turn to other places. For example, Banjarmasin, which is nearby, whereas previously we sourced much of our supply from Sulawesi and Java,” Marnabas said, as quoted by Tribun Kaltim on October 12, 2026.

Marnabas also said fires in supplier regions, including areas around Banjarmasin, could reduce the volume of food reaching Samarinda. He illustrated the potential impact by explaining that deliveries of one ton or 10 tons could decrease if supply conditions were disrupted. These figures were examples, not confirmed data on actual reductions in Samarinda's food supply.

Government Seeks to Maintain Food Prices and Supply

To anticipate potential disruptions, the Samarinda city government has instructed its regional cooperation division, PT Varia Niaga, and Perum Bulog to identify alternative food-producing regions that are relatively safe from forest and land fires.

The mapping is intended to help maintain supply if the city's main supplier regions experience disruptions. Commodities vulnerable to supply changes, including chili peppers, are also receiving attention.

In addition to securing food supplies, the government plans to intervene in the market by selling essential goods at carefully managed purchase prices to help maintain price stability and address potential price manipulation by middlemen.

Marnabas said the government was seeking to maintain a balance between inflation and deflation to support Samarinda's economic growth.

“We must maintain balance. Deflation must not occur, and inflation must also remain balanced so that our economic growth can continue to rise. Samarinda's economic growth is extraordinary,” he said.

Despite these preparations, Marnabas said the availability of essential goods in Samarinda remained stable at the time of his statement.

“Thank God, the situation remains stable,” he said.

This article is a summary of two original articles. The full versions can be read at the following links:

https://rri.co.id/sanggau/berita-lain/2808894/karhutla-ancam-pertanian-ekonomi-masyarakat-sanggau-terdampak

https://regional.kompas.com/read/2026/10/13/060500278/karhutla-berpotensi-ganggu-pasokan-pangan-samarinda-pemkot-petakan-daerah?page=all

PHOTO: MINISTRY OF FORESTRY

This article was created with AI assistance.

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