OKU Timur Police Construct Reservoirs to Anticipate Forest and Land Fires

The OKU Timur Police in South Sumatra are constructing several reservoirs, or natural water catchment areas, during this dry season. These water storage sites are intended to increase the water supply available to anticipate forest and land fires (karhutla).

OKU Timur Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Lalu Hedwin Hanggara, stated that the construction of these reservoirs is being carried out with the involvement of all elements of the community. “In response to the dry season, where there has been no rain for several weeks and months, causing water levels to decrease,” Lalu said on Tuesday (8/9).

He noted that current water sources are increasingly insufficient for extinguishing forest and land fires. To address this, additional reservoirs are being created. “Therefore, we are being assisted by the entire community, government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector to create additional reservoirs,” he said.

Lalu added that in addition to the reservoirs, his department is also constructing additional canals to serve as water channels. “Our hope is that with these water sources, we can improve the prevention and handling of forest and land fires,” he said.

The police force also conducted forest and land fire extinguishing simulations using facilities owned by the private sector as evidence of support from all parties. Through these simulations, it is hoped that the capabilities and preparedness of all stakeholders in handling forest and land fires can be enhanced.