Jambi Tightens Forest Fire Prevention as Dry Season Begins
As the dry season begins, efforts to prevent forest and land fires (karhutla) continue to be strengthened in a number of areas with high levels of vulnerability. One such effort is under way in Jambi Province through enhanced coordination between the government, forest area managers and forestry business operators.
This was realised through the Coordination Meeting on Preparedness for Forest and Land Fire Handling for Forest Utilisation Business Permits (PBPH) in Jambi Province, organised by the Sustainable Forest Management Centre (BPHL) Region IV.
The move implements the instructions of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, who emphasised the importance of preserving forests and the environment as the foundation of national development. This has been translated by the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, through strengthening forest and land fire prevention and preparedness systems across Indonesia.
The meeting was attended by PBPH holders as well as representatives of Forest Management Units (KPH) in Jambi Province as part of efforts to strengthen preparedness for potential fires during the dry season.
During the meeting, the KPHs were urged to optimise their role as area managers through improved coordination, territorial monitoring, early detection and rapid response whenever indications of fire are found.
A number of agencies contributed material to the event, including the Jambi Provincial Forestry Service, the Sultan Thaha Jambi Class I Meteorological Station, the Jambi Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the Indonesian Forest Entrepreneurs Association (APHI) Jambi Regional Chapter.
The Head of the Sustainable Forest Management Centre (BPHL) Region IV, Andi Rohaendi, said prevention remains the most effective measure in controlling forest and land fires.
For that reason, he said, all PBPH holders need to ensure the readiness of personnel, facilities and infrastructure, routine patrols, and stronger coordination with regional governments, the KPHs and local communities.
“Through this Zero Karhutla commitment, we hope that all PBPH holders can carry out their responsibilities consistently to prevent forest and land fires in Jambi Province,” said Andi Rohaendi in Jakarta on Monday, 3 August 2026.
On the same occasion, the Head of the Sultan Thaha Jambi Class I Meteorological Station, Ibnu Sulistyono, reminded attendees of the importance of using weather and climate information as the basis for formulating anticipatory measures in the field.