Majalengka BPBD Urges Public Not to Burn Rubbish and Land

The public has been urged not to burn rubbish or dry grass, which can cause forest and land fires. Head of the Majalengka Regency BPBD, Agus Tamim, explained that land and forest fires have occurred in the regency over the past two weeks. These include incidents in Panyingkiran Village, Panyingkiran District; Baribis Village, Cigasong District; Wanajaya Village, Kasokandel District; and Babakanjawa Village, Majalengka District. “The cause is almost entirely due to human negligence. Some attempted to burn rubbish, but the fire became uncontrollable and eventually spread to the land due to strong winds,” Agus said on Sunday (19/7). There were also cases where burning dry grass caused sparks to spread, creating new hotspots, but fortunately, the fires were quickly brought under control with assistance from various parties. Agus therefore urged the public not to burn rubbish or land during this dry season. “It is feared that fires could become uncontrollable and forest or land fires could spread further,” he said. During this dry season, the potential for forest and land fires is spread across 343 villages and sub-districts in Majalengka Regency. Of Majalengka’s total area of approximately 134,940 hectares, around 98,031 hectares, or 72.65 percent, is prone to fires. The potential for forest and land fires in Majalengka Regency is mostly located in state forest areas managed by Perhutani, around the Mount Ciremai National Park area, and on dry land owned by residents. The Majalengka BPBD has also issued an appeal to all sub-district and village heads in the regency to increase preparedness. They have also been asked to regularly map, by name and address, the neighbourhood units and community units that are beginning to experience the impacts of drought, so that the distribution of clean water aid can be accurately targeted. “We, the Majalengka BPBD, will optimise cross-sector coordination and disaster management volunteers. We also urge all residents of Majalengka Regency to start conserving clean water usage. Immediately report to the BPBD post if your area begins to experience a clean water crisis or if you spot a fire,” Agus said.