Enviro News Asia, Palembang — The Government of South Sumatra has strengthened multi-stakeholder coordination to مواجهة the heightened risk of forest and land fires ahead of the 2026 dry season, with APP Group emphasizing collaboration and early detection as key priorities.
The National Forest and Land Fire Preparedness Roll Call, held at Griya Agung in Palembang on 6 May 2026, brought together approximately 1,600 personnel from the military, police, disaster management agencies, government institutions, private sector actors, and community fire groups.
According to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, the 2026 dry season is expected to begin gradually from April and peak in August. The anticipated El Niño between July and September is likely to intensify drought conditions and increase wildfire risks.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, stressed the importance of strengthening cross-sector synergy, noting that fire management must be carried out earlier, faster, and more decisively, with a strong emphasis on prevention. The government has also reactivated the National Forest Fire Coordination Desk for 2026 to enhance monitoring, law enforcement, and public communication.
South Sumatra remains a high-risk region due to its peatland characteristics and history of recurring fires. Data from the Ministry of Forestry shows a decline in burned areas from approximately 15,422 hectares in 2024 to 5,939 hectares in 2025, with around 79.95 hectares recorded as of April 2026. Despite this improvement, authorities warned against complacency given forecasts of a drier season.
APP Group and its supplier partners showcased their readiness by deploying integrated fire management systems, including rapid response teams, drone-based hotspot monitoring, Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), and coordinated communication systems. Aerial patrol simulations were also conducted using helicopters during the event.
APP Group Director Suhendra Wiriadinata highlighted the company’s Integrated Fire Management approach, which focuses on prevention, preparedness, early detection, and rapid response. He emphasized that effective fire prevention requires strong collaboration among government agencies, local communities, and private sector stakeholders.
Preventive efforts are being implemented through the Desa Makmur Peduli Alam (DMPA) program, which operates in 31 villages and involves community fire groups, local authorities, and security forces in patrols, awareness campaigns, and sustainable land management practices.
To reinforce preparedness, APP Group’s partners have deployed over 900 fire response personnel, supported by helicopters for patrol and water bombing, watercraft for peatland areas, and land-based firefighting units. Early warning systems have also been strengthened through fire towers, monitoring posts, drones, and real-time satellite-based situation rooms operating շուրջ the clock.
With integrated resources and strengthened collaboration, stakeholders aim to mitigate forest fire risks proactively, particularly amid the growing threat posed by El Niño conditions in 2026. (*)
