West Java Declares Drought and Forest Fire Emergency Alert Status

The West Java Provincial Government has established a Drought and Forest and Land Fire Emergency Alert Status, effective from 1 July to 30 September. This status is a precautionary step to anticipate potential disasters during the dry season. The decree is not intended to cause alarm but rather to ensure readiness so that all elements of government, society, and stakeholders can act more swiftly before risks escalate into disasters, explained Teten Ali Mulku Engkun, Chief Executive of the West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). He stated that BPBD West Java will remain on standby and present for the community. “Let us work together to protect the environment, use water wisely, refrain from burning land, and immediately report any potential fires or hazardous conditions.” He noted that most areas of West Java have entered the dry season period. This condition requires collective attention as it could increase the risk of drought, clean water crises, forest and land fires, and fires in residential areas. According to Teten, the Emergency Alert Status serves as a foundation to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and disaster risk mitigation measures. Vigilance does not begin when problems arrive, but long before they occur. “The public is urged to start using water wisely, avoid open burning, not discard cigarette butts carelessly, and immediately report any potential incidents that could trigger fires,” he stressed. The dry season, he added, is not something to fear but to be faced with preparedness. “Small steps taken today can help reduce the risk of disasters in the future. Small steps taken together today will become a great force to keep West Java safe, resilient, and ready to face the dry season,” he asserted.