Kodam XXI deploys infantry battalion to help extinguish forest fires in Way Kambas National Park

Bandarlampung (ANTARA) - Kodam XXI/Radin Inten has deployed soldiers from the Yonif TP 943/DPC battalion to assist in extinguishing forest and land fires (karhutla) in Way Kambas National Park (TNWK).

“Personnel from the Territorial Development Infantry Battalion (Yonif TP) 943/Darah Putih Cakti, equipped with two fire engines, one water tanker truck, an NPS truck, and a drone, have been deployed to assist with firefighting under the operational control of the Dandim 0429/LT,” said Pangdam XXI/Radin Inten Major General TNI Kristomei Sianturi, as confirmed in Bandarlampung on Saturday.

He said that in addition to deploying infantry personnel, the emergency response also involves weather modification and the deployment of aerial assets. These measures are currently being accelerated through intensive coordination with the Lampung Provincial Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).

“Artificial rain is being coordinated with the Lampung Provincial BPBD and will be carried out on Monday,” he said.

“A water bombing helicopter from Palembang is being coordinated as soon as possible,” he added.

Major General TNI Kristomei stressed that handling this environmental disaster requires close collaboration from various leadership elements in the region. Together with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), he ensured direct presence at the incident site to oversee the effectiveness of the firefighting efforts.

“We continue to coordinate with relevant parties and the Forkopimda ranks to support firefighting efforts and prevent the fire from spreading,” he said.

The Pangdam Radin Inten also urged the wider public to increase environmental awareness and avoid any actions that could potentially trigger new sparks in the conservation area.