Korem Gapo Task Force and South Sumatra Community Work to Prevent Forest and Land Fires

The Korem 044/Garuda Dempo (Gapo) task force, together with the people of South Sumatra, is undertaking various efforts to prevent forest and land fires (karhutla) during the 2026 dry season.

“Various prevention efforts with the community and relevant agencies in facing the potential for forest and land fires include increasing integrated patrols, early detection of fire-prone points, monitoring vulnerable areas, outreach to the public, and strengthening coordination between agencies that are members of the Forest and Land Fire Task Force,” said Korem 044/Gapo Commander Brigadier General TNI Khabib Mahfud in Palembang on Friday.

In facing the threat of forest and land fires, he said, strategic steps need to be taken together to improve the effectiveness of forest and land fire management and control.

“Experience from previous years teaches us that successful handling of forest and land fires cannot be done partially,” he stated.

He explained that forest and land fire management and control requires strong synergy between the government, security forces, businesses, academics, the media, and the community.

Early prevention, he said, will be far more effective and efficient compared to firefighting efforts once the fires have already spread.