Politics · Indonesia · 13 hrs ago
Central Kalimantan governor criticized for joke about forest fires
Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran is facing criticism after joking about efforts to tackle forest and land fires in the Indonesian province.
In a video that spread online, he said most fires were caused by people and joked, “United we stand, divorced we marry again.”
Lawmakers said the joke was out of place while residents are suffering from the fires and smoke.
In West Kotawaringin regency, thick haze has made the sky look yellow and residents have reported breathing problems and eye irritation.
The local weather agency said PM2.5 readings showed very dangerous air quality.
Lawmakers urged local leaders to communicate with empathy and reassure residents that the fires can be put out.
One lawmaker said the criticism should serve as a lesson for other regional leaders in how they speak to the public.
Golkar lawmaker Ahmad Irawan criticized Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran’s joke about forest and land fires, saying public officials should show empathy.
Sabran made the joke while answering a question about how to address the fires.
He said nearly 97 percent of the fires were caused by human actions and joked, “United we stand, divorced we marry again.”
Irawan said regional leaders should reassure residents that the fires could be brought under control.
Smoke from fires in West Kotawaringin regency was reported to be worsening, with air quality classified as very hazardous.
- Who
- Golkar lawmaker Ahmad Irawan criticized Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran.
- What
- Irawan said public officials should show empathy after Sabran joked about fires.
- When
- The joke went viral on October 13, 2026. Irawan commented on October 14.
- Where
- Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.
- Why
- The joke was made as fires affected the region and residents were suffering from smoke.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A video of Agustiar Sabran joking about fires went viral.
Lawmaker Daniel Johan called for empathy from leaders amid the fires.
Ahmad Irawan criticized the joke and urged regional leaders to build public optimism.
- Governor
- Agustiar Sabran
- Critic
- Ahmad Irawan, Golkar lawmaker
- Joke
- United we stand, divorced we marry again
- Fire cause estimate
- Sabran said nearly 97 percent were caused by human actions
- Affected area
- West Kotawaringin regency, Central Kalimantan
- Air quality
- Very hazardous, according to the local BMKG monitoring cited by CNN Indonesia
2 sources
What people are saying
Public officials’ communication should show empathy.
Nearly 97 percent are caused by human actions.
United we stand, divorced we marry again.