Enviro News Asia, Aroba — The Association of Indonesian Forest Concessionaires (APHI) in West Papua and Southwest Papua has praised PT Kesatuan Mas Abadi (KMA) for supporting efforts to extinguish forest and land fires in Aroba District, West Papua.
The company deployed personnel and firefighting equipment to two locations on the Trans-Papua road between Tomage and Aroba and in an area behind Sangguwar Village on September 13, 2026.
Haryoto, Chairman of the APHI Regional Committee for West Papua and Southwest Papua, said the involvement of forestry companies in fire response demonstrates the private sector’s contribution to protecting the environment and communities around their operational areas.
“Company personnel and equipment are important in strengthening firefighting efforts on the ground. We appreciate PT KMA for deploying its team to support fire suppression along the Trans-Papua road and behind Sangguwar Village,” Haryoto said.
He said forest and land fire management requires cooperation among companies, government agencies, security personnel and local communities. Effective coordination is needed to ensure fire reports are quickly followed up and available resources are used efficiently.
Haryoto also emphasized that the safety of firefighters and local communities must remain a priority during suppression operations, supported by effective communication among teams in the field.
“The spirit of mutual cooperation must continue to be strengthened. Forestry companies can contribute by maintaining firefighting teams and equipment, while communities play an important role in providing early information about fires,” Haryoto said.
PT KMA Camp Manager Hengki said the company deployed eight personnel for the fire-control operation, which ran from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. local time.
The team conducted firefighting operations at two locations: along the Trans-Papua road between Tomage and Aroba and behind Sangguwar Village in Aroba District.
“Our team carried out firefighting operations with support from a fire truck and Ministriker and Tohatsu V82 firefighting pumps. The equipment was used to support fire suppression at the sites,” Hengki said.
The team also brought nozzles, 2.5-inch and 1.5-inch hoses, and machetes to support operations in the field.
Hengki said personnel readiness and adequate equipment were essential for effective fire suppression. He added that terrain conditions and access to fire locations must also be considered when determining response measures.
“We are committed to supporting fire response by deploying the personnel and equipment available to us. Team safety and communication throughout the operation remain our priorities,” Hengki said.
PT KMA’s involvement is expected to strengthen on-the-ground cooperation in forest and land fire management. Continued vigilance, early reporting and sustained prevention efforts remain necessary to protect communities and the surrounding environment. (*)
