Palembang, The Indonesia Post – South Sumatra Vice Governor Cik Ujang attended the 2025 South Sumatra Provincial Coordination Meeting on Forest, Plantation, and Land Fire (Karhutla) Control, held at Griya Agung on Tuesday (July 29, 2025).
The coordination meeting reflected a shared commitment to preventing and controlling forest and land fires in South Sumatra, particularly ahead of the peak dry season in August.
In his remarks, Vice Governor Cik Ujang expressed appreciation to all ministries and agencies involved, including the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Environment, BNPB, and BMKG. He also encouraged all elements in South Sumatra—local government, communities, and the private sector—to collaborate and synergize in preventing and mitigating Karhutla.
“I have also asked BPBD to ensure the readiness of all equipment supported by BNPB, as well as to intensify outreach and education on Karhutla control throughout the region,” said Cik Ujang.
BNPB Head Lt. Gen. TNI Dr. Suharyanto noted in his address that forest fires generally occur in cycles of once every four years. Therefore, the number of hotspots in South Sumatra this year should not be too high. Although fluctuating over the past week, the hotspot trend in the province has shown a downward pattern.
BNPB reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Karhutla control efforts in South Sumatra, including through ground task forces, the formation of TNI (Kodim) task forces in case of escalation, provision of firefighting tools and equipment for ground units in coordination with BPBD, Weather Modification Operations (WMO) with one standby aircraft to support artificial rain efforts, and aerial patrols consisting of two patrol helicopters and three water bombing helicopters.
Indonesia’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Hanif Faisol, commended the swift actions taken by the South Sumatra Provincial Government together with BNPB and BPBD in controlling Karhutla. During today’s field visit, only one hotspot was found, which was immediately extinguished using water bombing methods.
(mhn/ril)
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