Rejang Lebong Regency Anticipates Potential Forest and Land Fires
Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province, alongside relevant regional agencies, is tightening its preparedness to anticipate the potential for forest and land fires (karhutla) and extreme drought resulting from the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon.
Following a deployment parade of troops and equipment to prepare for the impacts of El Niño and forest fires at the Rejang Lebong Police Headquarters on Friday, the Acting Regent of Rejang Lebong, Hendri Praja, stated that prevention efforts are being strengthened through cross-sectoral collaboration, relying on the readiness of all related elements.
“Based on BMKG forecasts, the peak of the El Niño phenomenon will occur between late July and August 2026. This triggers a longer dry season with below-average rainfall, which has the potential to cause extreme drought and forest and land fires in Bengkulu Province, including Rejang Lebong,” said Hendri.
He explained that natural disaster management cannot be carried out partially or sectorally. It requires integrated, responsive, and sustainable synergy from all elements of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) and other technical agencies.
“We are preparing teams and supporting infrastructure, accompanied by strengthened disaster response education for the community. The handling of forest and land fires must be implemented quickly, in an integrated and coordinated manner to minimise negative impacts on the public,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Rejang Lebong Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), M. Budianto, stated that his agency has placed Rapid Response Teams (TRC) on standby, along with firefighting and water distribution fleets, including water tankers, hoses, and other supporting equipment.
According to Budianto, out of the 15 districts in Rejang Lebong, areas prone to forest and land fires are concentrated in the Padang Ulak Tanding, Kota Padang, Sindang Beliti Ilir, and Sindang Beliti Ulu districts. Additionally, potential fire risks have been identified around the Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS) area, which includes the Bermani Ulu and Bermani Ulu Raya districts.