Joint Task Force Extinguishes Forest and Land Fires in Siak, Water Bombing and Heavy Equipment Deployed
The joint task force has resumed extinguishing and cooling operations for forest and land fires (Karhutla) in Dayun Village, Dayun District, Siak Regency. In addition to ground-based firefighting, officers are also conducting aerial firefighting operations.
The firefighting operation is focused on RT 19 RW 01, Pematang Sepetai Hamlet, involving combined personnel from the National Police, regional government, Manggala Agni, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), sub-district and village governments, the Fire Care Community (MPA), and PTPN V, on Sunday (6/9/2026). Siak Police Operations Chief Commissioner Ermanto stated that his team deployed 50 personnel to reinforce the joint task force in the field, while eight pump units with hoses and various firefighting equipment were also put into operation.
“Personnel are carrying out extinguishing and cooling operations to ensure the fire can be controlled and does not spread to other areas. Our focus is on handling the points that are still burning while preventing further expansion,” said Ermanto.
Ground handling has also been reinforced with four units of heavy equipment used to create firebreaks to impede the movement of the fire. At the same time, aerial operations using water bombing helicopters continue to be carried out to reach hotspots and fire locations that require handling from the air.
According to Ermanto, water bombing has been conducted since Saturday (5/9) afternoon and resumed on Sunday. A field command post has also been established as a coordination centre to evaluate the development of the situation and determine the next steps for handling.
The safety of personnel has also been a concern during the operation. A community health centre team has been placed on standby in the field to provide medical treatment if needed, including anticipating health problems caused by smoke exposure such as acute respiratory infections (ISPA).
Meanwhile, Riau Regional Police Public Relations Chief Commissioner Akmadi said that all ranks continue to increase vigilance against the potential emergence of forest and land fires amid conditions that remain vulnerable.
According to Akmadi, field handling is not only directed at extinguishing fires but also ensuring that the fires do not spread. Therefore, the Riau Regional Police and its ranks continue to prioritise collaboration with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), regional government, BPBD, Manggala Agni, companies, MPA, and the community.
“Every hotspot that appears must be handled as quickly as possible. Personnel in the field are working hard to extinguish and cool the fires, assisted by water bombing and heavy equipment. The principle is not to give the fire any room to spread,” said Akmadi.
Akmadi also reminded the public, especially plantation owners and residents who intend to clear land for agriculture and plantations, not to use fire in the land clearing process.
He stressed that a fire that initially appears small can quickly grow and become difficult to control, especially when located on dry land and supported by weather conditions that increase the risk of fire.
“When hundreds of people have to go down to extinguish fires, prevention by the community becomes very important. Do not clear land by burning,” Akmadi asserted.
The Riau Regional Police also asked the public to immediately report if they find hotspots or land burning activities in their surroundings so that handling can be carried out as early as possible before the fire spreads.