Forestry officials in Central Kalimantan remain on the alert for forest fires despite the dampening effect of the rainy season.

"The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency has estimated the rainy season could start in November but our command posts will keep monitoring the situation," said Mega Hariyanto, chairman of the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency.

"Currently, Central Kalimantan has 19 monitoring posts. They will remain active although the rainy season could reduce the fires' strength. We are try to avoid an awful situation like the one that occurred last year."

The fight against forest fires in Central Kalimantan started in early October, supported by the use of two Russian-made Ka-32A helicopters, which can dump water on fires.

The helicopters are being rented from South Korean company LG for 320 flying hours in a deal worth Rp 26 billion (US$2.85 million).

"Until today (Wednesday), the helicopters have been used for 51.8 flying hours in Central Kalimantan," said Mega.

One of the helicopters has been dispatched to Palembang, South Sumatra after flying for around a week above Kalimantan forest.

Mega said the helicopters had been a great help.

"They are capable of low-level flight so they can take water from the closest water sources," he said.

However, the use of helicopters in the province was criticized by Satriadi, executive director of the Central Kalimantan chapter of the Indonesian Forum for Environment.

"Helicopters are not effective at handling forest fires in peatland areas," he said.

"Peat soil has a structure like a sponge. Although the fire has been put out on the surface, it is still alive underneath."

Satriadi said the best way to quell fires in peatland areas was by approaching from the ground rather than the sky.

He added that the government should help local communities fight forest fires.

"Naturally local villagers already have the skills to manage fires," he said.

Satriadi said renting the helicopters was a waste of money.

"If the government empowered local people, it would only need Rp 1 or Rp 2 billion," he said.

Meanwhile, Awriya Ibrahim, director of forestry investigation and protection at the Forestry Ministry disagreed with Satriadi.

Awriya said the helicopters were very effective at reducing damage caused by forest fires.

"By using helicopters we can both reduce the flames and isolate them," he said, adding that they fought fires on the ground as well as from the air.

"The water from above is still essential to reduce the heat otherwise our people on the ground could not approach the spot," he said.

He added that local people were involved in the process.

Awriya said that the rental scheme was the best way to use the helicopters.

"The owners provide us with pilots and crew and they will take care of any damage," he said.

According to Awriya, the government and the House of Representative initially wanted to rent four helicopters but budget limitations meant they could only afford two.