BNPB prepares equipment support for forest and land fire brigades in South Sumatra

Palembang (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is preparing equipment support to strengthen forest and land fire (karhutla) brigades in South Sumatra in carrying out their duties.

BNPB Head Lieutenant General Suharyanto said in Palembang on Tuesday that strengthening personnel and equipment is an important part of improving the effectiveness of ground operations against forest and land fires.

There is a squad formation pattern directed by the Minister of Forestry, namely that one squad consists of 15 people with adequate equipment support to carry out extinguishing work to the maximum.

BNPB, together with relevant elements, has held coordination meetings to immediately form these squads in areas requiring additional strength.

“After this, the regencies and cities, the district military commanders, the police chiefs, under the direction of the Regional Military Commander and the Regional Police Chief — who earlier also directed the Mobile Brigade in Muara Enim — these squads will be formed immediately and we will fulfil their equipment needs,” he said.

In addition, air operations using water-bombing helicopters have limitations in reaching burnt areas. BNPB has recorded that 58 helicopters have been deployed to handle forest and land fires in various regions of Indonesia.

Suharyanto said the effectiveness of ground operations in South Sumatra has shown results. In a single day, the South Sumatra Ground Task Force managed to extinguish almost 280 hectares of burnt land.

He appreciated the performance of the South Sumatra Ground Task Force and asked that these efforts continue to be strengthened until natural rainfall arrives.

“Hopefully this can be emulated by other provinces. And after achieving 280 hectares, South Sumatra Province must not slacken — keep pushing forward until natural rain falls in early November 2026,” he said.

In addition, the government continues to anticipate the impact of fire haze on public health. The Ministry of Health is said to be continuing to provide assistance to affected communities, while masks are also being distributed.

BNPB will also make use of every opportunity for rain cloud growth to carry out weather modification operations (OMC). Based on information from the South Sumatra Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), rain cloud growth is expected to be considerable on 19-21 September.

“We will carry out weather modification operations both day and night,” said Suharyanto.