PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—The Indonesian government has allocated Rp205 billion (US$12.3 million) in presidential assistance to strengthen the response to forest and land fires (karhutla) across West Kalimantan, but provincial data show that most of the funding remained unspent in early October.

The allocation covers the West Kalimantan provincial administration and 10 municipal or regency administrations. The provincial administration received Rp40 billion, while Ketapang, Kayong Utara, Kubu Raya, Kapuas Hulu and Pontianak each received Rp20 billion.

Sambas, Bengkayang and Singkawang received Rp15 billion each. Sintang and Melawi were allocated Rp10 billion each.

Four regencies—Sekadau, Sanggau, Mempawah and Landak—did not receive direct allocations from the central government. Governor Ria Norsan said the provincial administration would use part of its Rp40 billion allocation to support fire-control operations in those areas through the unexpected-expenditure (BTT) mechanism.

“Karhutla [forest and land fire] management requires cooperation from all parties,” Ria said. “The assistance must be used effectively to strengthen field operations, protect people and the environment, and reinforce prevention efforts.”

Although the government allocated Rp205 billion, authorities had spent only Rp36.005 billion, or 17.56 percent, as of Oct. 6, according to data from the West Kalimantan provincial administration. About Rp168.995 billion, therefore, remained unused.

According to Pontianak Post, five recipient regions—Sambas, Kapuas Hulu, Bengkayang, Sintang and Melawi—had yet to record any expenditure.

The provincial administration had used Rp13.161 billion (32.9 percent) of its Rp40 billion allocation. Kayong Utara recorded the highest spending rate among the local governments, using Rp10.128 billion of its Rp20 billion allocation.

Kubu Raya had spent Rp5.4 billion, while Ketapang reported Rp3.977 billion in expenditure. Singkawang and Pontianak had used Rp1.734 billion and Rp1.605 billion, respectively.

The funds may finance ground firefighting operations, equipment and logistical supplies. Eligible spending can also include fuel, meals for personnel and measures to protect affected communities. The Ketapang administration said its Rp20 billion allocation could support firefighting equipment, pumps and drilled wells.

West Kalimantan has Rp60 billion available at the provincial level. The total consists of Rp40 billion in presidential assistance and Rp20 billion from the provincial budget’s emergency expenditure.

Golkar faction chair in the West Kalimantan Legislative Council, Heri Mustamin, said the spending must follow established procedures.

“Every budget has a system, rules and a mechanism,” Heri said on Monday, Oct. 5. “The public therefore does not need to worry about where officials will direct the money or how they will spend it.”

He added that the Rp40 billion central allocation came with technical guidance from the Home Affairs Ministry. The money must also pass through regional budget and accountability procedures.

The funding remains important as firefighting teams continue operations in Ketapang and Kayong Utara. West Kalimantan’s disaster management agency said it was maintaining patrols elsewhere to prevent fires from returning. The two regencies remained the focus of ground and aerial operations in early October.

The allocation gives local authorities substantial resources, but timely implementation and transparent reporting will determine whether the funding provides effective protection during the continuing dry season.