CTARSA Foundation Supports Central Kalimantan Forest Fire Task Force and Distributes 8,000 Masks
The CTARSA Foundation is playing its part in the efforts to tackle forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan. Collaborating with Kodam XXII Tambun Bungai Central Kalimantan, the CTARSA Foundation distributed thousands of masks and conducted health examinations for volunteers within the forest fire task force.
Forest and land fires in the peatland areas of Central Kalimantan present a significant challenge for firefighting officers. Amidst difficult terrain and surrounding smoke, hundreds of TNI personnel continue to struggle to extinguish the flames in 24-hour shifts.
To support the Forest Fire Task Force, the CTARSA Foundation, alongside Kodam XXII Tambun Bungai, carried out health screenings for members of the task force unit.
CTARSA also handed over a donation of thousands of masks at the Tabat Kalsa post, located in the Al Qadar Mosque area, Sebaru, Sebangau District, Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, on Friday (11/09).
In a written statement, it was noted that these health examinations serve as a form of care for officers working amidst smoke exposure, hot weather, and challenging peatland terrain.
A total of 8,000 masks were handed over by CTARSA to support the protection of task force members while performing their duties in the field. This assistance is expected to serve as part of the support for personnel who face smoke-affected air conditions every day.
The Head of Public Relations for Kodam XXII Tambun Bungai Central Kalimantan, Dodo Sahata, expressed appreciation for the support from the CTarmSA Foundation in the form of mask distribution and health checks for task force members at the Tabat Kalsa post.
“The Kodam XXII forest fire task force post is a vital part of supporting the operations of officers who continue to strive to handle forest and land fires in the Central Kalimantan region. To meet daily needs, the post is equipped with a public kitchen providing food for personnel, tents for rest, and a mosque for worship. These facilities help maintain logistical needs while officers carry out their duties in the field,” said Dodo.
Meanwhile, the Head of Corporate Communication for the CTARSA Foundation, Andra Lesmana, who visited the fire site personally, also expressed appreciation for the struggle of the Forest Fire Task Force in extinguishing the flames and smoke in Central Kalimantan.
“After witnessing firsthand how difficult the process of extinguishing fire and smoke is at the forest fire site, because the area burning is peatland. Even though water is sprayed, the embers within the ground are difficult to reach with water, meaning the fire can flare up again during dry and windy conditions. Therefore, the presence of the CTARSA Foundation here is a concrete manifestation of support for the officers and volunteers tackling forest fires. We hope more parties can take a role in tackling forest fires here,” said Andra.
From the Tabat Kalsa Post, the spirit of mutual cooperation continues to be a strength. The CTARSA Foundation invites various parties to work together to tackle forest and land fires, as well as to assist the officers on the front lines by providing safety equipment for task force members, so that Kalimantan, as the lungs of the world, can recover.