Muara Enim Regency Prepares Personnel to Anticipate Forest and Land Fires

Palembang (ANTARA) - The Muara Enim Regency Government, South Sumatra, is beginning preparations to face the potential for forest and land fires (karhutla) by deploying personnel and equipment at several vulnerable points. Muara Enim Regent Edison, when interviewed in Palembang on Friday, stated that as of now, the regency has not yet declared an emergency alert status for karhutla. However, preparedness measures are still being implemented as a form of early anticipation. “The emergency alert status has indeed not been declared, but personnel and equipment are always kept on standby to anticipate karhutla,” he said. He explained that the placement of personnel, equipment, and firefighting fleets will be increased at vulnerable points so that handling can be carried out quickly and maximally. The local government is also strengthening coordination with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), TNI, and Police in efforts to tackle karhutla. “In addition to declaring alert status, we will also focus on preparing firefighting units and personnel in vulnerable areas. There are several areas such as Gelumbang, Muara Belida, and others,” he said. Regarding the declaration of karhutla emergency alert status, the regency assures that it will be carried out in mid-May 2026 after first holding a disaster preparedness roll call.