Forest and Land Fire Readiness Drill in Riau, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Stresses the Importance of Protecting the Environment

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam) Djamari Chaniago led the National Forest and Land Fire Readiness Drill for 2026 in Riau Province. The drill was held at Lanud Roesmin Nurjadin, Pekanbaru, on Thursday, 5 March 2026, and was attended by the Minister of Environment and Forestry (Menhut) Raja Juli Antoni, the Head of the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) Suharyanto, Acting Governor of Riau SF Hariyanto, and the Chief of the Indonesian Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Kabareskrim) Komjen Syahardiantono. Also present were the Riau Police Chief (Kapolda) Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan, Danrem 031/Wira Bima Brigadier General TNI Jarot Suprihanto, representatives from Basarnas, BMKG, BPBD Riau, and private sector participants. The drill was also attended by regents and mayors across Riau Province, as well as the police chiefs of the Polda Riau with Forkopimda members. In his address, Djamari Chaniago said the drill represents a strategic step in strengthening readiness to face potential forest and land fires, particularly in Riau Province, which has long been prone to karhutla. He stressed the importance of protecting the balance of nature. ‘We need to remind ourselves that nature will react according to our actions. Likewise, the actions we take will show nature’s reaction to us; can we give something good for the interests of nature,’ he said. He emphasised that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. He added that this readiness drill is a first step to re‑establishing the relationship between humans and nature. ‘Nature will also provide good things for us; this is the starting point we must realise. Then our responsibility to the nation and our obligation to safeguard the natural environment bestowed upon us by Allah SWT,’ he explained. According to him, the karhutla readiness drill is not merely an annual ceremonial agenda. The activity is a symbol of the tangible readiness of all elements of the nation to care for and monitor Indonesia’s natural resources. ‘The drill is to demonstrate our readiness that we are able to safeguard this nation’s wealth. It is not only about preventing damage near the locations of forest fires, but has broad implications,’ he said.