Cross-Sector Synergy: Government Combines Forces to Control Forest and Land Fires
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has provided an official response regarding the handling of forest and land fires (karhutla) currently occurring in several regions of Indonesia. This step was taken to provide certainty and clear information to the public amid concerns over the impact of the fires.
Acting Head of the BNPB Data and Information Centre, Berton Suar Pelita Panjaitan, stressed that the government understands the attention and concerns felt by the public. According to him, all relevant parties continue to move actively in the field to control the situation.
“BNPB understands the public’s attention and concerns regarding the development of forest and land fires occurring in several regions of Indonesia. The government is not standing idle. Currently, karhutla handling continues to be carried out in an integrated manner together with regional governments, the TNI, Polri, Manggala Agni, the business community, the public, and relevant ministries/institutions,” said Berton.
He explained that mitigation efforts are carried out through various operational instruments, ranging from intensive monitoring of fire spots and hotspots to strengthening ground-level handling. In addition, BNPB is also on standby and providing full support for air operations.
Air operation support includes conducting air patrols, water bombing, and Weather Modification Operations (OMC) adjusted to the needs and dynamics of weather conditions in the field.
BNPB also recognises that there are still several areas requiring more intensive handling. Therefore, strengthening and adjustment of operational strategies continue to be carried out based on the latest situation developments in the field.
To ensure transparency of information, BNPB maintains close coordination with various relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Forestry. This collaborative step aims to ensure that information regarding the development of karhutla can be conveyed quickly, accurately, and in an integrated manner to the public.