South Sumatra sets forest fire alert status through Nov 30
Executive Head of the South Sumatra Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), M. Iqbal Alisyahbana, stated here on Friday that the alert status was officially signed by the South Sumatra Governor.
“South Sumatra has declared a forest and land fire alert status effective from April 22 to November 30. This decision follows the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG)’s forecast that this year’s dry season will be longer, arrive earlier, and be drier,” he said.
He explained that the alert status is intended to expedite access to central government assistance and strengthen on-the-ground coordination, following an increase in hotspots across several regions.
In addition to the provincial level, Ogan Ilir and Ogan Komering Ilir districts have also declared similar alerts due to the emergence of hotspots.
Alisyahbana noted that the extreme drought predicted for this year demands a broader response involving various stakeholders, including the public and the private sector.
“We will face the upcoming challenges by strengthening our coordination. Despite budget constraints, our mitigation efforts must not falter,” he asserted.
He affirmed that the provincial government has proposed patrol helicopter and waterbombing support from the central government and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
In addition, the provincial government is also proposing Weather Modification Operations to dampen the ground—specifically peatlands—to ensure water reserves remain available during the peak of the dry season.
Furthermore, his office urged companies to reactivate their fire mitigation facilities, including firefighting teams, retention ponds, and canals within their respective concession areas.
Additionally, the public is asked to remain vigilant, particularly regarding economic activities involving fire, to prevent fire incidents.
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Translator: Ahmad Rafli, Raka Adji