Enviro News Asia, Pekanbaru — PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) has strengthened its preparedness to prevent and respond to forest and land fires in Riau Province by increasing the readiness of firefighting personnel, equipment, patrols, and early detection systems.
The company demonstrated its preparedness during a forest and land fire response readiness ceremony held at the Riau Regional Police Headquarters on Monday (August 10, 2026). The event brought together the Indonesian Military, National Police, Riau Regional Disaster Management Agency, Manggala Agni, National Search and Rescue Agency, fire departments, community fire groups, and representatives of companies operating in the province.
RAPP deployed a Fire Fighter team from its Fire and Aviation Department along with firefighting and monitoring equipment to support field operations.
RAPP Fire Team Coordinator Ramadhan said adequate personnel and equipment, supported by cross-sector coordination, are essential to ensure a rapid response to potential fires.
“Forest and land fire prevention and response require preparedness and cooperation among various stakeholders,” Ramadhan said.
RAPP has prepared five firefighting pumps, 20 rolls of 1.5-inch fire hoses, drones, rain gauges, hygrometers, sprinklers, GPS devices, suction hoses, and other supporting equipment.
The preparedness measures are also part of the Fire Danger Period implemented by APRIL Group across its concession areas in Riau through September 30, 2026. During the period, the company is increasing ground and aerial patrols, hotspot monitoring, and coordination with government agencies, security authorities, and local communities.
Operational resources include one helicopter, two airboats, 12 patrol vehicles, 177 water pumps, 1,209 rolls of fire hoses, four smoke-monitoring locations, 26 CCTV units, and 12 fire towers.
The response system is supported by 345 professional firefighters and 735 trained community volunteers from 49 villages across Riau. Their involvement is intended to strengthen prevention, early detection, and rapid response efforts at the community level.
RAPP said it remains prepared to coordinate with local governments, security authorities, Manggala Agni, community fire groups, and other stakeholders, including in responding to fires outside the company’s concession areas.
Strengthening early warning and rapid response mechanisms is considered important in reducing the potential environmental and social impacts of forest and land fires in Riau. Greater collaboration among government institutions, companies, and communities is expected to help limit fire risks and protect ecosystems, air quality, and local communities. (*)
