Wildfires Near Indonesia’s New Capital as East Kalimantan Fires Expand

NUSANTARA, EAST KALIMANTAN – Forest and land fires are intensifying across Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province, with approximately 2,505 hectares burned during the first 21 days of September, while several fire locations remain within the administrative delineation of the country’s new capital, Nusantara.

The East Kalimantan Disaster Management Agency recorded 608 fire incidents between September 1 and 21, 2026. Since January, the province has recorded 1,470 fire incidents affecting around 6,333 hectares of land.

The fires have drawn particular attention because some of the affected areas are located within the broader Nusantara development zone. One of the key locations is Bukit Tengkorak, part of the Bukit Soeharto Forest Park.

Authorities have stressed that the fires have not reached the Core Government Center of Nusantara. In mid-September, the nearest reported fire locations were approximately 20–30 kilometers from the government core area, prompting authorities to strengthen ground patrols and firefighting readiness.

Water Bombing Deployed

Indonesia has combined ground firefighting operations with aerial water bombing to prevent the fires from spreading.

The National Disaster Management Agency and Indonesian Air Force deployed water-bombing operations to reach areas that were difficult for ground teams to access. Five priority zones were identified, including Bukit Tengkorak, Bukit Merdeka, Teluk Dalam, Wonotirto and areas toward Tanjung Harapan.

Earlier in September, the Nusantara Capital Authority reported that water-bombing operations had reduced several hotspots. Patrols have continued even after fires were extinguished to prevent new outbreaks.

The situation also carries regional implications. Wildfires across Indonesia have raised concerns over air quality and transboundary haze in Southeast Asia. Reuters reported that Indonesia is receiving assistance from Malaysia to help contain fires that have persisted for weeks.

A Test for Indonesia’s Forest City

The fires present a particular challenge for Nusantara, which is being developed as a forest city, with surrounding green areas forming an important part of its planning concept.

The Nusantara Capital Authority says wildfire control involves a multi-agency rapid response unit bringing together national and local authorities, the military and police, businesses, environmental organizations and local communities.

Air quality in the Core Government Center was still reported to be in good condition during monitoring in mid-September. Authorities nevertheless continue to strengthen prevention measures to ensure fires do not spread toward the core area.

As the dry season continues, the fires are becoming an important test of Indonesia’s ability to protect the forests surrounding its new capital while preventing a local wildfire problem from developing into a wider environmental crisis.