Cross-Sector Synergy Essential for Forest and Land Fire Management in North Kayong

The management of forest and land fires (Karhutlag) occurring in North Kayong Regency, West Kalimantan, continues to be carried out collectively through synergy between various parties. One of the areas receiving significant attention is Mata-Mata Village, Simpang Hilir District.

Fire management in this region involves the Kayong Regional KPH UPT, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), local communities, and corporate entities. This cross-sector collaboration is a vital component in addressing the substantial forest fires encountered throughout 2026.

Field conditions necessitate rapid movement, coordination, and support from various stakeholders to ensure fires can be controlled immediately and prevented from spreading to other areas.

The Head of the Kayong Regional KPH UPT, Ponty Wijaya, stated that managing forest fires requires the involvement of all parties.

“Forest fires are not an issue that can be handled by a single party alone. KPH, together with the TNI, Polri, the community, and Artha Graha Peduli (PT Cipta Usaha Sejati and PT Jalin Vaneo) are working together to tackle fires in Mata-Mata Village and other villages around Simpang Hilir District from July until now,” Ponty said in a written statement on Tuesday (1/9/2026).

According to Ponty, support from the corporate sector in fire management is a form of care for the environment and the community.

“We appreciate the support provided by the corporate sector. The support provided on the ground includes the direct deployment of personnel to assist in firefighting, as well as providing firefighting equipment and infrastructure,” said Ponty.

“What is being done in the field demonstrates that the business world also possesses concern and can play a part in managing forest fires. The more parties involved, the stronger our efforts to control the fires will be,” he added.

Ponty added that as more parties become involved, the collective effort to control fires strengthens. In addition to government elements, the TNI, Polri, and corporations, the involvement of the community is considered to play a very important role.

Communities are the parties closest to fire-prone locations, including lands that are potentially impacted.

Community awareness and rapid response are deemed capable of accelerating the reporting and firefighting processes, as well as preventing the fire from spreading. This collaboration is not only directed towards firefighting but is also expected to be strengthened in terms of prevention and preparedness.

These steps include joint patrols, monitoring high-risk areas, early detection, community education, and increasing the readiness of personnel and firefighting facilities.

The forest fires occurring in 2026 serve as a reminder that efforts to protect forests and the environment require a shared commitment. The government, through the KPH, alongside the TNI-Polri, the community, and the business world, all play complementary roles in preventing and managing forest fires.

The Kayong Regional KPH UPT emphasised that it will continue to build coordination with all stakeholders to strengthen prevention and management efforts within the KPH’s working area.

Collaboration is the key to facing forest fires, as the government cannot work alone, nor can the community or the business world. By moving together, it is hoped that fire management can be executed more swiftly, thereby reducing the risk of impact on the environment and the community. Together we prevent forest fires, together we protect the forest and the environment.