Jakarta, ThedailyID — Thick haze has returned to Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, as smoke from forest and land fires across the region spreads toward the city. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) attributed the worsening conditions to accumulated smoke from surrounding areas.
The haze has made the city’s skies appear darker than in previous days. Visibility has also decreased, although it remains within normal limits, according to BMKG.
Huda Abshor Mukhsinin, head of the Data and Information Working Team at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Meteorological Station in Balikpapan, said the haze appears particularly thick in the morning.
“Air temperatures tend to be lower in the morning, forcing smoke closer to the surface and making the haze around ground level thicker,” Huda said on Monday, October 12.
He explained that seasonal changes in the sun’s position have increased heat exposure in southern Kalimantan. These conditions can raise the risk of forest and land fires in several areas.
Fires have recently continued in Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan. Winds have carried smoke northward toward East Kalimantan, adding to the haze affecting Balikpapan.
Fires in Paser Regency and North Penajam Paser Regency have also intensified, creating additional sources of smoke in southern East Kalimantan.
The combined smoke from these areas has moved north and accumulated over Balikpapan, making the haze increasingly dense.
BMKG forecasts cloud cover in several areas over the coming days. However, the agency said the clouds may not produce enough rainfall to help clear the smoke.
The situation remains dependent on fire activity, wind direction, and weather conditions. Without sufficient rainfall, smoke could continue to accumulate over parts of East Kalimantan.
