Londerang Peat Forest Protection Area Re-ignites After Week-long Suppression

After being suppressed for a week, the Londerang Peat Forest Protection Area (HLG), spanning approximately 12,000 hectares on the border of Tanjung Jabung Timur and Muaro Jambi Regencies, was once again engulfed in intense flames on Wednesday (16/9).

Fire suppression efforts, commanded by Jambi Governor Al Haris in his capacity as the Commander of the Jambi Forest and Land Fire Task Force, alongside Brigadier General TNI Nyamin, had not succeeded by Wednesday evening. As of Wednesday night, embers and thick smoke continued to rise from the burning peatlands.

“We conducted suppression here a week ago. It turns out that today, the adjacent area has caught fire again,” said Al Harlag.

While addressing the management of peat fires, which reach depths of three to six metres in the Londerang area, Al Haris also monitored the trial use of two types of specialised substances designed for extinguishing peat fires. The two substances, one in liquid form and one in powder form, are being tested to determine which is more effective at suppressing the fire and saturating the peat layers.

“We are seeing which one is better, more lethal, and more durable. Meaning, once sprayed, this substance can moisten the thick peat,” Haris stated, without disclosing the specific details of the two substances.

Meanwhile, according to Sandy Prabowo, Head of Manggala Agni Daops Sumatra XI Bukit Tempurung, due to the darkness of the night, suppression efforts will be optimised and continued on Thursday morning.

The Jambi Forest and Land Fire Task Force successfully extinguished 86 hectares of land in the Londerang area, yet fires have resurfaced in the Tahura Senami area in Batanghari.

Local authorities have coordinated and instructed the Health Office and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to remain on alert and monitor developments.