South Sumatra BPBD Requests 10 Helicopters for Forest and Land Fire Management

Palembang (ANTARA) - The South Sumatra Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) will request the need for 10 helicopter units to support forest and land fire (karhutla) management after the alert status is declared. The Acting Head of BPBD South Sumatra, M. Iqbal Alisyahbana, in Palembang on Tuesday, stated that the request is part of efforts to strengthen fire suppression responses, especially in areas difficult to access by ground teams. The agency will submit requests for water bomber and patrol helicopters to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) after establishing the karhutla alert status. The presence of helicopters is crucial in accelerating monitoring and extinguishing karhutla, thereby suppressing the potential spread of fire from the outset. The need for 10 helicopter units is based on experiences in handling karhutla in previous years. However, the number requested will still be adjusted to the fire conditions that occur and considering government budget efficiency. “This includes considering the government’s budget efficiency. But it will depend on the karhutla conditions in South Sumatra,” he said. “Reports of karhutla from aerial patrols will be followed up quickly so that the fire does not grow larger,” Iqbal added. Previously, BPBD South Sumatra recorded at least 12 regencies/cities in the region as vulnerable to karhutla, namely Ogan Ilir, Ogan Komering Ilir, Banyuasin, Musi Banyuasin, Muara Enim, Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir, Lahat, Ogan Komering Ulu Timur, Musi Rawas, Musi Rawas Utara, Ogan Komering Ulu, and Ogan Komering Ulu Selatan.