South OKU Police Educate 300 Residents to Prevent Forest and Land Fires
The South Sumatra Regional Police, through the South OKU Police, is strengthening the prevention of forest and land fires (karhutla) by providing education to the community via the ‘Polisi Berbagi Ilmu’ (PBI) programme.
The activity, which reached approximately 300 residents across 14 locations within the South OKU Regency, encourages citizens to understand the dangers of forest fires and play an active role in environmental conservation, held on Wednesday (30/9).
The education emphasises the importance of avoiding land clearing through burning. The persistence of this practice is one of the primary issues underlying the PBI programme, ensuring that understanding regarding the prevention and handling of forest fires remains a central focus of the initiative.
South OKU Police Chief, AKBP I Made Redi Hartana, explained that the PBI programme is designed to bring police services and knowledge closer to the community, including building awareness regarding the threat of forest fires.
“We want the community to understand the dangers of clearing land by burning and to participate actively in preventing forest fires. Through Polisi Berki Ilmu, officers are present to provide understanding, listen to residents’ concerns, and invite the community to protect the environment together,” Redi stated in a written release on Thursday (1/10/2026).
Through these direct meetings, personnel provide education on the dangers and impacts of forest and land fires, as well as the mechanisms for reporting information to the police. This two-way communication provides a space for residents to ask questions and raise issues faced in their respective environments.
“Maintaining security and preventing forest fires requires collective concern. Therefore, we are conducting this activity on a sustainable basis so that the relationship between the police and the community grows closer and residents better understand the roles they can play in protecting their environment,” he added.
The programme, initiated by the South OKU Police Chief, involves operational units and local police sectors. In addition to forest fire prevention, the educational material covers police services, crime prevention, the dangers of drugs, traffic safety, and the safe and wise use of social media.
South Sumatra Regional Police Head of Public Relations, Kombes Pol Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, emphasised that this educational approach is part of an effort to strengthen community involvement in maintaining security and the environment.
“The presence of the National Police must provide tangible benefits to the community, including through knowledge to prevent forest fires. Polisi Berbagi Ilmu serves as a means to build awareness and cooperation with residents so that environmental concern translates into real action,” said Nandang.
The PBI activity is scheduled to take place every Wednesday as part of the DEKAT programme, which stands for Dedication, Ethics, Collaboration, Action, and Trustworthiness. Continuous implementation is expected to strengthen understanding and community participation in safeguarding their region.
Through Polisi Berbagi Ilmu, the spirit of the South Sumatra Regional Police Chief’s motto, ‘Have you done good today?’, is realised by being present, sharing knowledge, and inviting the community to prevent forest fires at an early stage. Under the spirit of ‘Nyago Bumi Sriwijaya 24/7’, the South Sumatra Regional Police continue to build collective awareness to protect the environment and citizen safety as a manifestation of the Police for the People.