Joint Task Force Extinguishes Forest Fire in Trenggalek

A joint task force comprising the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the Trenggalek Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) successfully extinguished a forest fire in plot 74 C, located in the villages of Sumberingin and Jatiprahu, Karangan District, Trenggalek Regency, on Wednesday (5/8/2026). The fire affected a teak forest area of approximately 1.5 hectares. Danramil 0806-08/Karangan, Lieutenant Cpl Edi Vinolia Tasiabe, stated that the fire was first detected around 3.30 p.m. local time by Joko, a foreman from the Karangan Forest Management Unit (RPH), who saw plumes of smoke and flames from the Gamping Village area in Suruh District, precisely in the Gunung Sawe area, RT 15 RW 03, Sumberingin Village. The discovery was immediately reported to Perhutani, the Military Sub-district Command (Koramil), and the Karangan Police. Following the report, personnel from Koramil 0806-08/Karangan, Karangan Police, and BPBD immediately moved to the location. As the hilly terrain prevented vehicles from reaching the fire spots, the firefighting effort was conducted manually using the ‘gepyok’ method, which involves beating the flames with branches and leaves. ‘Upon receiving the report, the joint team immediately moved to the location to prevent the fire from spreading. Despite the difficult terrain, all personnel worked together to extinguish the fire until it was brought under control. Cross-agency synergy was key in handling this fire,’ said Lieutenant Cpl Edi Vinolia Tasiabe. The firefighting operation lasted approximately two and a half hours, and the flames were fully extinguished by 6.00 p.m. local time, preventing the fire from spreading to a wider forest area. Based on field data collection, the fire destroyed teak tree stands in a Perhutani area covering approximately 1.5 hectares. To anticipate the emergence of new hotspots, the Military Sub-district Command and the joint task force have maintained personnel at the site to monitor the situation and ensure the area is completely safe. Danramil urged the public to increase their vigilance regarding the potential for forest fires, especially during the dry season. He also appealed to residents to immediately report any sightings of fire to the authorities so that a rapid response can be initiated to minimise the impact on forest areas and the environment.