North Barito Regency Forms Integrated Task Force to Monitor Fuel and Forest Fires
The North Barito Regency administration in Central Kalimantan has officially formed a special integrated task force. This strategic step was taken to eradicate the hoarding of fuel oil and LPG, while simultaneously strengthening forest and land fire mitigation in the region.
North Barito Regent Shalahuddin emphasised that the formation of the task force was a rapid response to the dry season. According to him, full preparedness from all ranks is required to maintain regional stability.
“Facing the dry season requires preparedness from all ranks, both in the prevention and handling of forest and land fires as well as supervision of energy distribution,” said Shalahuddin in Muara Teweh on Wednesday (19/8).
In his directives, the Regent asked relevant agencies to immediately strengthen the preparedness of firefighting personnel and increase patrol intensity, especially in areas classified as prone to fire hotspots.
In addition to focusing on natural disasters, Shalahuddin also issued firm instructions regarding energy security. He asked his staff to immediately coordinate with law enforcement officials if indications of hoarding, misuse, or violations in the distribution of fuel and LPG are found, so that they can be followed up in accordance with applicable regulations.
“Energy availability and public safety are important parts that must be safeguarded together, especially in facing dry season conditions that have the potential to increase the risk of forest and land fires,” he added.
In line with the Regent, North Barito Deputy Regent Felix Sonadie Y Tingan stressed that the challenges of forest and land fires and the energy crisis cannot be solved by a single agency alone. He encouraged strong cross-sectoral synergy.
“Handling forest and land fires and securing fuel distribution cannot be done sectorally. We ask all elements, both local government, law enforcement officials and the wider community, to continue to work hand in hand and synergise,” said Felix.
Through the coordination meeting, the North Barito Regency administration hopes that prevention and supervision measures can run more effectively. In addition to reducing the potential for smoke disasters, strict supervision of fuel distribution is expected to maintain economic stability and public comfort throughout the North Barito region.
At the meeting, the Head of the North Barito Regional Disaster Management Agency, Mochamad Ikhsan, presented the current conditions and the early detection system for forest and land fires. Meanwhile, the Head of the Trade and Distribution Office, Mastur, delivered a comprehensive report regarding stock availability and fuel price developments at the local level.