West Java Provincial Government Strengthens Mitigation to Prevent Forest Fires During Dry Season

The West Java Provincial Government, through its Forestry Service, is strengthening mitigation measures to prevent forest and land fires (karhutla) during the dry season by educating communities, improving coordination and ensuring field personnel readiness.

Head of the West Java Forestry Service Dodit Ardian Pancapana said the strengthened mitigation is needed to preserve forest areas in the province.

“West Java has around 800,000 hectares of forest, roughly 50 times the size of Bandung city. Planting and maintenance efforts continue so that forest cover can meet the mandated 30 percent target,” he said when met in Majalengka on Tuesday.

Beyond increasing forest cover through planting and maintenance, he added, protecting forest areas from various disturbances, particularly the threat of fire during the dry season, is a priority.

Dodit said one focus of mitigation is changing people’s habit of using fire to burn rubbish, straw or litter, as this can trigger wildfires.

“Reducing the volume of forest waste, paddy field waste and agricultural residue can be done organically without using fire. That is what we must continue to educate people about,” he said.

In addition, the agency is strengthening fire-response readiness through the use of technology, improving personnel capabilities, and enhancing communication and coordination across agencies.

Dodit said forest and land fire incidents in West Java fluctuate and can be monitored in real time through the Ministry of Forestry’s SiPongi application, with the current trend declining.

Nevertheless, he reminded that the dry season is expected to continue until August 2026, so all stakeholders, including the media, are asked to keep educating the public to reduce fire risks.

“I ask our media colleagues to continue promoting activities that reduce the risk of forest fires,” said Dodit Ardian Pancapana.