East Java Intensifies Firefighting and Prevention Efforts in Bromo
The East Java Provincial Government is intensifying firefighting and prevention efforts for forest and land fires (karhutla) in the Bromo area, aiming to minimise the risk of new hotspots emerging while the emergency alert status remains in effect.
“We are focused on extinguishing the fires and preventing the causes of possible subsequent incidents. Therefore, the Bromo perimeter is restricted and surveillance is tightened,” said East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak in Surabaya on Tuesday.
Emil explained that field surveillance was strengthened after a meeting led by the Minister of Forestry established the emergency alert status in the Bromo area. The Head of the Operations Bureau has been tasked with ensuring that surveillance measures are carried out in an integrated manner.
According to him, the emergency alert status provides the basis for increased legal enforcement should violations with the potential to trigger new fires be discovered.
“Scientifically, wind can carry fire material to other locations, so fires can spread even if the initial point is different,” he said.
The East Java Provincial Government is also continuing to deploy aerial firefighting resources. Three helicopters have been put back into operation to extinguish fires in the P30 area after one unit previously underwent maintenance.
In addition to aerial firefighting, manual handling is being carried out in the Dingklik area, which briefly reignited at night. The Military Resort Commander continues to coordinate field operations as Incident Commander.
“East Java is one of the priorities for the implementation of Weather Modification Operations during the strong to very strong El Niño dry season,” he said.
He added that the area affected by forest and land fires in Bromo has increased to approximately 800 hectares from the previous figure of around 580 hectares, although the fire trend is beginning to show a decline.
However, he reminded all parties not to be complacent, as smoke is still visible in several locations and the potential for recurring fires remains.
The Regional Secretary of East Java Province, in his capacity as Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), together with the Chief Executive of BPBD and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) team, has also directly inspected the fire locations to strengthen on-the-ground handling.