Prabowo Approves Additional 500 Boreholes and 500 PPE Sets for South Sumatra Forest Fire Response

President Prabowo Subianto has approved the addition of 500 bore wells complete with pumps and hoses for handling forest and land fires (karhutla) in South Sumatra. In addition to the 500 bore wells, Prabowo will send 500 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighting personnel.

The decision was conveyed after South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru reported the need for fire control facilities in his region during a meeting at the Palembang Karhutla Command Post on Monday (24/8/2026).

“Regarding the canals, I would add that so far we have been assisted by BNPB, Sir. So assistance has been concentrated in several districts. But this equipment is indeed for maintenance, Sir, because sedimentation is occurring,” said Herman.

“So these canals serve two functions: first, as water reservoirs to keep the peatland moist. Second, to prepare for water bombing extraction, Sir,” he said.

Herman conveyed the need for additional water bombing helicopters to accelerate the handling of hotspots. So far, 12 bore well points have been created by the National Police, but this number is still considered insufficient for tackling forest and land fires.

“And even… what we have already worked on together with the National Police in making wells, for example there are already 12 bore well points, but it is still not enough, Mr President,” he said.

Given these conditions, Herman requested additional bore wells equipped with water suction machines and hoses. Herman mentioned that other regions had received support of up to 500 units.

“So if there are bore wells equipped with the machines, Sir, to suction water. I see other provinces have received 500 units, Sir, from the Cabinet Secretariat. If possible, we would like to receive them too, Sir, the suction machines and hoses. That is all, Mr President,” he explained.

Prabowo then questioned the request. “You did not submit a request, how could that be?” asked Prabowo.

Prabowo then asked Herman to submit the request directly and asked how many bore well units were needed. Herman proposed 500 bore well units along with their pumps.

“Yes, submit it. How many do you need?” said Prabowo.

“If possible… along with the wells, Sir, if you give us 500 wells, then 500 pumps, Sir,” replied Herman.

Prabowo again confirmed the number needed by South Sumatra. Herman assessed that 500 bore wells would be sufficient.

“I know, but how many? So 500?” asked Prabowo.

“500 is sufficient, Sir,” replied Herman.

Without hesitation, Prabowo immediately approved the request and asked for the 500 units to be sent to South Sumatra promptly.

“Yes, send 500 immediately. I have been waiting because you did not submit a request,” said Prabowo.

Herman welcomed the decision and thanked Prabowo for visiting South Sumatra, which became a momentum for the regional government to convey its forest fire handling needs.

“Yes, Sir. It is our good fortune that you are present today because it was just submitted. Thank you very much, Mr President. That is all, Mr President,” said Herman.

Prabowo did not stop there, asking about other additional needs from the South Sumatra ranks. “Perhaps the Regional Police Chief would like to add something?” said Prabowo.

Prabowo said the government would also coordinate with other regions, including Lampung and Jambi, regarding forest fire handling needs.

“I have not yet spoken with Lampung or Jambi, you know. But we will… whatever you need in the field, we will deploy,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo asked how long it would take to mobilise the 500 units of equipment. “When can those arrive?” asked Prabowo.

Head of the Defence Facilities Agency, Air Marshal Yusuf Jauhari, said delivery could be completed within two to three days with the approved quantity.

“Yes, two to three days is possible, 500 units,” replied Yusuf.

In addition to bore wells, Prabowo also ensured the availability of PPE for forest fire fighting personnel in the field. A total of 500 PPE sets will also be sent to South Sumatra.

“Okay, so the PPE, can the PPE be increased?” asked Prabowo.

“It can,” replied Yusuf.

“How many PPE can be added immediately?” Prabowo responded.

“500 units,” replied Yusuf.

Prabowo also reminded about the need for masks for communities and personnel affected by forest fire smoke. “I think masks are also needed,” said Prabowo.

Herman said mask distribution had been prepared together with the city government. “Masks, Sir, are being deployed today together with the mayor for 18,000 masks, Sir,” said Herman.

Prabowo then asked for mask distribution to be expanded as widely as possible to areas in need. “Please deploy as many as possible, we can distribute to all regions,” added Prabowo.