OKI Regency Receives Rp1.59 Billion Aid for Forest and Land Fire Control

Palembang (ANTARA) - The Ogan Komering Ilir Regency Government (OKI), South Sumatra, has received aid in the form of facilities and infrastructure for controlling forest and land fires (karhutla) valued at Rp1.59 billion to strengthen preparedness against potential karhutla in 2026.

The aid was handed over by the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, during the signing of the handover minutes ceremony at Plaza Kuningan, Jakarta, on Monday (6/4). The aid was directly received by the Deputy Regent of OKI, Supriyanto.

In a written statement in Palembang on Wednesday, Deputy Regent of OKI Supriyanto said the aid consists of various land firefighting equipment, including 23 backpack pump units, 18 floating fire pump units, 24 brass nozzle units, 18 Y connector units, 90 fire hose units, 124 flapper units, and 124 fire rake units.

“This aid is very important to accelerate the initial response in the field,” he said.

He explained that all the equipment will soon be distributed to vulnerable areas as part of the early alert measures for karhutla in Ogan Komering Ilir Regency.

“We will ensure that these facilities are optimally utilised by officers, while strengthening prevention efforts to minimise karhutla incidents as much as possible,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Minister of Environment and Forestry Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said the potential drought in 2026 is expected to arrive earlier and last longer, thus increasing the risk of karhutla.

“This year, we are facing the potential for an earlier and longer drought. This means the threat of forest and land fires will be greater than in previous years and must be anticipated together,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of cross-sectoral synergy in controlling karhutla, from prevention to handling in the field, involving local governments, BMKG, and BNPB.

“The government cannot work alone. Collaboration with various parties, including the community, is a determining factor in the success of karhutla control,” he stated.