Banyuasin Regency Forms Team to Prevent 2026 Forest and Land Fires

Palembang (ANTARA) - The Banyuasin Regency Government, South Sumatra, has formed a team comprising the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), National Police (Polri), Manggala Agni forest fire brigade, Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Disaster Alert Volunteers, and community elements to conduct operations for preventing and controlling forest and land fires (karhutla) in 2026.

“The team will synergise to enhance preparedness in facing disasters from forest, plantation, and land fires during this year’s dry season,” said Banyuasin Deputy Regent Netta Indian at the Balai Base, Banyuasin, on Saturday.

According to her, to support these operations, they are preparing prevention and control equipment and supplies such as water tankers, personnel transport vehicles, Inafis vehicles, barracuda units, ambulances, fire engines, and mobile kitchens.

“Then, mobilising dozens of two-wheeled vehicles with pump engines, both floating pumps and portable pumps, along with their equipment including hoses, connectors and nozzles, water containers, as well as other manual firefighting tools,” said Netta Indian.

Additionally, they are requesting support for 10 helicopter units from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to optimise karhutla handling activities in hard-to-reach vulnerable areas by land.

Based on data from previous years, there are 12 regencies/cities in this province classified as vulnerable to karhutla, namely Ogan Ilir Regency, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, Banyuasin Regency, Musi Banyuasin Regency, and Muara Enim Regency.