Fire destroys one hectare of Sono tree vegetation on Mount Jabung
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that a fire engulfed an area of one hectare covered with Sono tree vegetation and scrub in the Mount Jabung area, Trenggalek Regency, East Java.
Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre Dodi Yuleova in Jakarta on Wednesday said the initial report of the fire came from local residents’ observations on Tuesday afternoon (11/8) and it has now been declared extinguished, so the situation is under control.
“The fire was reported by residents at around 5 p.m. Western Indonesia Time in the Mount Jabung area, Kedungsigit Village, Karangan District, on Tuesday (11/8),” he said.
He explained that based on reports from the scene, the flames spread quickly towards the mountain slope due to wind and dry vegetation conditions.
It took approximately three hours for the Trenggalek Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Rapid Response Team, acting as field coordinator, to carry out ground firefighting assisted by a joint team consisting of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, National Police, and fire brigade.
The Sono tree, also known as Sonokeling (Dalbergia latifolia), is a type of hardwood tree that produces high-quality timber and belongs to the Fabaceae (legume) family.
With its fine grain texture and exotic wood colour, Sono timber is highly sought after as the main material for making wardrobes, tables, chairs, and high-end carvings, as well as knife handles and handicraft items.
The Sonokeling tree also has an ecological function in forest and hilly areas such as mountain slopes, serving as a water and soil conservation plant because its strong root system is able to prevent soil erosion.
For this reason, Dodi reminded that the BNPB firmly urges the public not to carry out activities that could trigger fires, especially in hilly and forest areas that are vulnerable during this dry season period.
“Forest and land fires not only cause environmental damage, but also impact air quality, public health, economic activity, and social life in the affected areas,” he said, while confirming that the cause of the fire on the mountain slope is still under investigation by law enforcement officials.