Palembang City Government Continues to Strengthen Forest and Land Fire Management

Palembang, South Sumatra — The Palembang City Government is continuing to optimise various strategic steps to strengthen the management of forest and land fires (karhutla).

These measures are being reinforced by the provision of logistical support and disaster management equipment from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNNP).

The Mayor of Palembang, Ratu Dewa, stated in Palembang on Tuesday that this support from the central government is vital for strengthening fire management and anticipating the impact of smoke in the local area.

The assistance from BNPB distributed to Palembang City includes 2/5 units of personal protective equipment (PPE), five rolls of 1.5-inch hoses, four units of two-horsepower (HP) portable pumps, two units of 6 HP water pump engines, two nozzles, and two flexible tanks.

“This assistance aligns with the needs previously proposed by the Palembang City Government to strengthen field-level fire management,” he said.

According to Ratu Dewa, the Palembang City Government continues to increase preparedness as land fires enter the peak of this year’s prolonged dry season.

“Based on current data, the area of burnt land in Palembang has reached approximately 185.4 hectares,” he revealed.

In addition to strengthening field operations, the Palembang City Government is also preparing anticipatory measures regarding the impact of smoke on the community.

Ratu Dewa noted that the Air Pollution Index (ISPU) for Palembang City on Tuesday (1/9) at 10:00 WIB ranked sixth, influenced by smoke from land fires in several areas.

“To maintain public health, the Palembang City Government has prepared health posts and ensured that services operate 24 hours a day,” he said.