Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Handling forest and land fires requires the cooperation of various parties, ranging from prevention education to firefighting actions in the field. The involvement of Forestry Extension Officers from the Region V Samarinda P2SDM Center in addressing fires within the Forest Area with Special Purpose (KHDTK) Labanan, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, demonstrates the role of extension officers in supporting joint efforts to protect forests and biodiversity.
Head of the Region V Samarinda P2SDM Center, Elfa Rifadi, emphasized the crucial role of forestry extension officers in reinforcing education, collaboration, and rapid response to prevent and manage forest and land fires, including in KHDTK Labanan, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan.
“Forestry extension officers play an essential role in building awareness and mobilizing cooperation to safeguard forests. The involvement of extension officers in KHDTK Labanan shows that education must go hand in hand with collaboration and real action on the ground,” said Elfa.
Forestry Extension Officers from the Region V Samarinda P2SDM Center contributed to addressing fires in the area alongside Manggala Agni from the Kalimantan Fire Control Bureau and the Center for Orangutan Protection (COP).
“The team conducted monitoring, handled hotspots, and carried out efforts to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding forest areas,” Elfa explained.
Furthermore, according to Elfa, the involvement of extension officers in fire management forms part of efforts to connect education with forest protection needs at the site level. The proximity of extension officers to local communities supports information sharing, raises vigilance, and strengthens coordination with relevant stakeholders.
“Preventing forest and land fires requires the involvement of various parties. Extension officers can help communities understand fire risks, encourage preventative practices, and build communication so that potential threats can be acted upon immediately,” he said.
He explained that the collaboration among extension officers, Manggala Agni, and conservation organizations in KHDTK Labanan brings together educational roles, firefighting operations, and biodiversity protection.
According to him, such cooperation needs to be continuously strengthened to build preparedness before fires occur. Education and communication with local communities serve as vital components to support these efforts.
“The shared spirit of protecting forests must be realized through sustainable cooperation. With consistent education, sound coordination, and quick responses, we can reinforce the protection of forests and the biodiversity within them,” said Elfa.
The involvement of forestry extension officers in managing fires at KHDTK Labanan serves as an example of field-level collaboration. Strengthening this role is expected to support fire prevention while building collective concern for forest sustainability. (*)
