Manokwari, Jubi – The Kaimana Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in West Papua urged residents to wear masks and drink plenty of water as smoke haze continues to affect the town, known as the “City of Sunset”.
Kaimana BPBD chief Hans Janes Melchior Litaay said the agency had taken steps to tackle forest fires and drought in the region.
“We carried out firefighting operation in Arguni Atas alongside teams from the fire department and forestry agency,” Hans said on Tuesday (13/10/2026).
In the town centre, the agency has distributed masks to help protect residents from the effects of the haze and conducted public awareness campaigns on the importance of wearing them, he said.
The Kaimana regency government has also sent food supplies to villages affected by forest and land fires and drought in Arguni Atas District.
Hans said the BPBD had deployed teams to extinguish fires at several locations, including Mariasi and Arguni Atas.
“We urge residents to follow government’s advice and avoid going outdoors unless necessary. If you must go outside, wear a mask and drink plenty of water,” he said.
The Kaimana regency government has also issued a circular directing civil servants and other government employees to work from home (WFH) as a precaution against the effects of the smoke haze.
The circular, numbered 100.3.4/1493/BUP/2026, was issued on October 12, 2026, and contains eight points.
Kaimana Regent Hasan Ahmad Aituarauw said the region was currently facing the challenge of smoke haze when speaking at a ceremony to send off Umrah pilgrims at Utarom Airport in Kaimana,
The haze continues to disrupt residents’ daily activities, particularly in busy areas of the town, which is also known as the City on Sunset. (*)
