Enviro News Asia, Ogan Komering Ilir — Efforts to prevent forest and land fires, locally known as karhutla, in Cengal District, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, South Sumatra, are being strengthened through cross-sector collaboration involving the police, military, village governments, local communities and companies.
The collaboration was carried out through a community engagement and fire prevention awareness event at the Sungai Pasir Village Hall in Cengal District on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Bhabinkamtibmas of the Cengal Police Sector Brigpol Raden Hidayat, representing Ogan Komering Ilir Police Chief AKBP Eko Rubiyanto, said the recent increase in hotspots requires heightened vigilance from all parties, particularly because fires can spread rapidly if they are not addressed at an early stage.
“Over the past several weeks, hotspots in this area have increased by nearly 80 percent. This condition requires our collective attention and vigilance,” Raden Hidayat said.
The event was attended by military personnel and representatives from eight villages in Cengal District: Ulak Kedondong, Sungai Jeruju, Kuala Sungai Jeruju, Sungai Pasir, Kuala Sungai Pasir, Balam Jeruju, Somor and Kebun Cabe.
Representatives of PT Bumi Mekar Hijau (BMH), PT RPP, PT Sampoerna, the Fire-Aware Community (MPA), Fire Management Teams (RPK), community leaders and religious leaders also participated in the activity.
Raden Hidayat urged residents to immediately report any signs of fire in their surrounding areas and, when safe to do so, conduct initial firefighting efforts rather than waiting for fires to grow larger.
Residents were also reminded not to clear land through burning or use the traditional sonor practice, as both activities can trigger fires and carry legal consequences.
“We hope that Cengal can achieve zero fire in the future,” he said.
Sungai Pasir Village Head Erik Sandes urged residents to remain alert to potential sources of ignition, particularly cigarette butts, amid dry environmental conditions.
He said even a cigarette that appears to have been extinguished could trigger a fire if discarded carelessly in dry vegetation.
From the business sector, PT Bumi Mekar Hijau management representative Iwan Setiawan also called for greater caution in the use of fire during hot and dry weather.
He noted that small sources of ignition, including improperly extinguished cigarette butts, could develop into fires when they come into contact with dry vegetation and are intensified by wind.
Joint firefighting efforts have involved RPK teams, authorities and companies, supported by helicopters to reach areas that are difficult to access from the ground.
Beyond fire prevention awareness, the event also included the distribution of basic food packages to residents. The community additionally received Qurans and Juz Amma produced by APP Group.
The cross-sector cooperation among the military, police, village administrations, communities and businesses is expected to strengthen early prevention and response to forest and land fires in Cengal.
Through public education, increased vigilance, early reporting and coordinated response, the collaboration aims to prevent fires from spreading, protect the environment and safeguard community activities in areas vulnerable to forest and land fires. (*)
