Forestry Ministry Reveals Challenges in Extinguishing Way Kambas Fire

The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) has revealed that efforts to extinguish a forest fire in the Kuala Penet Resort area of Way Kambas National Park (TNWK), East Lampung Regency, were still ongoing as of Saturday (22/8) afternoon.

The location of the fire, which is in a peatland area and difficult to reach, has been one of the main challenges in handling the blaze that has been burning since Friday (21/8) afternoon.

Firefighting teams reportedly had to cover part of the access route on foot to reach the fire site.

“TNWK, together with all parties, continues to make maximum efforts to extinguish the fire,” said Head of the Way Kambas National Park Office, MHD Zaidi, in an official statement on Saturday (22/8).

“The difficult field conditions, distant water sources, and the peatland characteristics of the area pose particular challenges for the teams on the ground,” he continued.

“Nevertheless, we, together with all parties, continue to carry out extinguishing and control efforts to prevent the fire from spreading.”

In handling this incident, TNWK is working together with the Lampung Provincial Government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (POLRI), the East Lampung Regency Government, TNWK working partners, and local communities.

As a follow-up measure, TNWK will increase the intensity of security and patrols in the area, particularly in regions with potential fire threats.

The Ministry of Forestry stated that coordination with local governments, the TNI, the Police, working partners, and the community will also be strengthened to anticipate potential fires and other threats in the conservation area.

Security measures are said to focus not only on forest and land fires, but also on preventing wildlife poaching, illegal logging, encroachment, and other illegal activities.

Meanwhile, TNWK also expressed appreciation to the various parties involved in handling the fire. The collaboration is intended to accelerate fire management while protecting the Way Kambas National Park area.

Similar fires have previously struck the forest area of Way Kambas National Park. In January 2026, a fire scorched more than 2,600 hectares of land.

During this year’s dry season, the total area burned is predicted to be larger than in previous fire events.