Enviro News Asia, Jambi – The Indonesian Forest Concessionaires Association (APHI) Jambi Chapter has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting forest and land fire (karhutla) prevention and response efforts across Jambi Province as the region enters the critical phase of the dry season.
APHI Jambi Chairman Taufik Qurochman said the commitment was conveyed during the working visit of Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni and National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Head Lieutenant General Suharyanto to Jambi on Wednesday (September 2, 2026).
During the visit, Raja Juli and Suharyanto led a technical coordination meeting on forest and land fire management and conducted aerial monitoring of several fire-prone areas.
Raja Juli emphasized that September is a critical period for controlling forest and land fires as Indonesia enters the peak of the dry season. He called on regional fire task forces and forestry businesses, including APHI members in Jambi, to strengthen preparedness and cooperation in the field.
Responding to the directive, Taufik said all holders of Business Licensing for Forest Utilization (PBPH) that are members of APHI in Jambi have been placed on the highest alert status.
“We welcome the attention and direct guidance from the Minister of Forestry and the Head of BNPB. APHI Jambi ensures that all members continue to strengthen early mitigation systems, prepare firefighting facilities and equipment, and optimize firefighting teams in each concession area,” Taufik said.
In addition to strengthening internal preparedness, APHI Jambi is planning integrated patrols and more intensive coordination with the Jambi Provincial Forest and Land Fire Task Force, the military, police, and communities living around concession areas.
The measures are part of the forestry sector’s efforts to protect the environment and reduce the risk of smoke haze caused by forest and land fires across Jambi.
APHI Jambi expressed confidence that stronger cooperation between the central government, local authorities, and PBPH holders could help control the potential for forest and land fires during the peak of the dry season.
The association’s commitment comes amid intensified government efforts to strengthen forest and land fire preparedness in Jambi, particularly during September, when dry conditions can increase the risk of fire spread and make peatland fires more difficult to control.
