Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Indonesia’s forest firefighting crews continue to battle land and forest fires across several provinces, facing dangerous conditions that include a fiery whirlwind that trapped one firefighter during a suppression operation in South Sumatra.
Haris Suyanto, a 42-year-old member of the Forestry Ministry’s Manggala Agni firefighting brigade, recounted the incident as he reflected on nearly 21 years of service in Ogan Komering Ilir, South Sumatra. He serves with the brigade’s Sumatra XVII operational unit as public relations coordinator and deputy leader of Team IV.
Haris said the whirlwind formed while he was documenting colleagues fighting a fire. For several minutes, he was caught in the middle of swirling wind, embers and smoke. His training helped him survive the incident.
The experience has not diminished his commitment to fighting forest and land fires, which remain a recurring challenge in Indonesia. Manggala Agni operates as a specialised national firefighting force under the Forestry Ministry, working alongside the Indonesian Military, the National Police, regional disaster management agencies, volunteers and other partners.
Haris said teamwork was essential to carrying out dangerous operations. Firefighters must coordinate equipment, start pumps, deploy hoses and conduct briefings before working together to contain fires.
He recalled the severe fire season in 2023, when the effects of El Niño contributed to major fires. During that period, his team spent almost three months living in field tents, including deployments lasting 26 days before a three-day break, followed by another 23-day assignment.
Despite the demanding conditions, Haris said support from his family, colleagues and workplace helped him remain committed to the job. His family understands the responsibilities involved in carrying out a public service duty under difficult circumstances.
The brigade’s work also extends beyond the dry season and active firefighting. When fires are absent, personnel conduct public education, independent patrols and joint patrols, while coordinating with community security officers to strengthen prevention efforts.
Haris also praised Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni for visiting firefighters in the field. He said the minister’s presence and understanding of operational conditions had helped boost morale among crews working on the front lines.
Haris received the second-best exemplary civil servant award under the Wanalestari programme last year, recognising his service in forestry-related work.
The Forestry Ministry continues to rely on Manggala Agni and its partners to suppress fires and strengthen prevention efforts. The work involves not only responding to emergencies but also educating communities and conducting patrols to reduce the risk of future fires. (*)
