Enviro News Asia, Palembang — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) has intensified efforts to control forest and land fires (karhutla) in South Sumatra through additional personnel, expanded ground and aerial firefighting operations, and stronger law enforcement.
The intensified response focuses on fire-prone areas in Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI), Ogan Ilir, Muara Enim, and Musi Banyuasin, with the government seeking to contain fires and reduce the risk of smoke spreading into residential areas.
A total of 299 Manggala Agni personnel have been deployed across South Sumatra. The 254 permanent personnel in the province have been reinforced by 45 personnel under the Operational Control Assistance (BKO) scheme from Sarolangun, Muara Tebo, and Jambi City.
Head of the Forest Fire Control Center for Sumatra, Ferdian Krisnanto, said ground firefighting remains the primary line of defense, particularly in peatland areas where fires can continue beneath the surface even after flames have been extinguished.
“Ground firefighting remains the main line of defense. In peatland areas, putting out the surface fire does not necessarily mean the fire is over, so Manggala Agni teams continue intensive mopping-up operations to ensure underground embers are completely extinguished,” Ferdian said.
Ground operations are concentrated in several critical locations, including Pangkalan Lampam, Tanjung Lubuk and Tulung Selapan in OKI; Indralaya and Indralaya Utara in Ogan Ilir; as well as Sungai Rotan and Gelumbang in Muara Enim.
The firefighting effort is supported by aerial patrols, water-bombing operations and weather modification operations aimed at supporting areas affected by the fires.
Alongside firefighting, Kemenhut is also conducting law enforcement measures. The Forestry Law Enforcement Center for Sumatra is investigating indications of a fire covering approximately 25 hectares within a production forest area under a Forest Utilization Business License (PBPH) concession in Musi Banyuasin.
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho, who directly supervised operations in South Sumatra, stressed that concession holders have a responsibility to maintain fire prevention and control measures within their operating areas.
“Firefighting operations are underway, and law enforcement is also proceeding. We are investigating the cause of the fire, including possible negligence, intentional acts and compliance by permit holders in preparing prevention facilities,” Dwi said.
He added that any violations identified during the investigation would be subject to firm enforcement. Authorities are also ensuring that field teams receive adequate logistical support, regular health checks, operational equipment and appropriate personnel rotation.
Kemenhut is coordinating the response with the Indonesian Military (TNI), National Police (Polri), National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), regional disaster management agencies (BPBD), local governments, Masyarakat Peduli Api (MPA), businesses and volunteers.
The ministry emphasized that protecting firefighters and surrounding communities remains a priority. The combination of rapid ground response, aerial support, early detection and law enforcement is expected to prevent fires from escalating and reduce their environmental and public health impacts.
The strengthened operation also highlights the importance of sustained monitoring in peatland areas, where underground fires can persist after surface flames disappear. Continued coordination among government agencies, local communities and businesses will therefore be critical throughout the dry season. (*)
