Enviro News Asia, West Papua— The Regional Commission of the Indonesian Forest Concessionaires Association (APHI) for West Papua and Southwest Papua has welcomed a joint initiative by PT Kesatuan Mas Abadi and the 808/Mbaham Matta Territorial Development Infantry Battalion (Yonif TP 808/MM) to strengthen forest and land fire prevention and response capacity in Tomage District, Fakfak Regency, West Papua.
The awareness and capacity-building program, held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, aimed to improve the knowledge and preparedness of military personnel in dealing with forest and land fires, locally known as karhutla. The activity also sought to raise awareness among district officials, village heads, clan elders and communities in the Bomberay and Tomage areas.
APHI West Papua and Southwest Papua Regional Commission Chairman Haryoto said the collaboration was a positive step toward strengthening fire prevention and preparedness at the operational level.
“We appreciate the initiative carried out by PT Kesatuan Mas Abadi together with Yonif TP 808/MM. Improving personnel capacity and raising public awareness are important elements of forest and land fire prevention and control,” Haryoto said.
He emphasized that fire management requires the involvement of all stakeholders because fires do not follow administrative boundaries or company operational areas.
Coordination among companies, the military, district governments, village authorities, traditional leaders and communities is therefore essential to ensure that any indication of fire can be identified and addressed quickly.
District Head of Tomage Rudi Paus Paus, who opened the event, said village heads and clan elders have strategic roles in communicating fire prevention messages to local communities.
A prevention approach that takes into account local social conditions and the characteristics of the region is expected to increase public awareness and participation in preventing forest and land fires.
“Prevention will be more effective when all parties have a shared understanding, commitment and coordinated approach. Communication and information exchange must continue to be strengthened so that field responses can be carried out quickly and in a coordinated manner,” Rudi said.
The program included technical sessions and capacity building for TNI personnel, as well as awareness activities involving district government representatives, village heads, clan elders and communities from Bomberay and Tomage.
The training covered fire risk identification, early detection, personnel safety, equipment use, field communications and coordination during firefighting operations.
PT Kesatuan Mas Abadi Camp Manager Hengky said the company sought to share its field knowledge and experience so that all stakeholders involved would have a common understanding of the stages of fire prevention and response.
“Forest and land fire management requires rapid information, personnel and equipment readiness, and strong coordination. The sooner signs of fire are identified and addressed, the greater the opportunity to prevent the fire from spreading,” Hengky said.
He added that preparedness should not begin only after a fire has occurred. Continuous field monitoring, patrols, water-source inspections, equipment readiness and communication with local communities are needed, particularly during periods of elevated fire risk.
PT Kesatuan Mas Abadi also promotes preventive measures through public education on the risks associated with the use of fire, the impacts of forest and land fires on health and the environment, and the importance of immediately reporting smoke or other indications of fire.
Hengky said the involvement of TNI personnel could further strengthen field coordination and response, particularly in areas with limited access or locations requiring rapid deployment.
Commander of Yonif TP 808/MM Lt. Col. Inf. Ahmad Nasudin, M.Tr.Mil., expressed appreciation for PT Kesatuan Mas Abadi’s collaboration in providing training and supporting efforts to improve personnel knowledge and skills in forest and land fire prevention and control.
“We appreciate PT Kesatuan Mas Abadi’s collaboration in supporting personnel capacity building. The knowledge and skills gained through this activity are important resources for helping prevent and respond to forest and land fires in the field,” Ahmad said.
According to Ahmad, military personnel should not only be prepared to assist when fires occur but can also contribute to raising public awareness and strengthening preventive measures at an early stage.
The participation of district authorities, village heads, clan elders and communities is also considered essential because local stakeholders have a detailed understanding of the area and can serve as early sources of information when signs of fire emerge.
The commander subsequently presented his appreciation to PT Kesatuan Mas Abadi for its collaboration in strengthening preparedness and personnel capacity to address forest and land fire risks in Tomage and surrounding areas.
The collaboration among APHI’s West Papua and Southwest Papua Regional Commission, PT Kesatuan Mas Abadi, Yonif TP 808/MM, district authorities, traditional leaders and local communities is expected to strengthen prevention at the field level, accelerate responses to early fire indications, and help protect communities and the environment in the Bomberay and Tomage areas from the impacts of forest and land fires.
