Enviro News Asia, Jambi – Deputy Minister of Forestry, Sulaiman Umar Sidiq, conducted an on-site inspection of forest and land fire (karhutla) prevention preparedness in Jambi Province. During the visit on Saturday (May 14, 2025), the Deputy Minister, accompanied by the Governor of Jambi, Al Haris, inspected the operational area of PT Wirakarya Sakti (WKS), a business unit of the APP Group.
The delegation reviewed several key fire prevention facilities owned by PT WKS, including water intake infrastructure in Rukam Village, a 24-hour hotspot monitoring situation room, fire lookout towers, fire suppression equipment, and a seedling nursery center. They also observed a water intake operation simulation and participated in technical discussions on sustainable peatland management strategies.
“The water intake program by PT WKS is excellent. We saw some large pumps used for preventive fire control. Most importantly, we need to raise public awareness and provide education on the dangers of forest and land fires,” stated Deputy Minister of Forestry Sulaiman Umar Sidiq during the field inspection, as conveyed in the official press release.
Governor Al Haris also expressed appreciation for WKS’s contributions in transforming previously fire-prone peatlands into productive areas. “At the very least, peatlands that were previously unused and highly susceptible to fire have become productive,” he remarked.
As part of its commitment, the APP Group through PT WKS implements an Integrated Fire Management (IFM) approach, encompassing prevention, preparedness, early detection, and rapid response. In Jambi, WKS has mobilized 614 members of its firefighting team (RPK), 21 quick response team (TRC) members, and 100 community fire awareness volunteers (MPA). Supporting facilities such as water bombing helicopters, amphibious boats, high-pressure pumps, and satellite and drone monitoring technologies have also been activated to prepare for the 2025 dry season.
“Through an integrated and technology-based approach, we aim to protect ecosystems while supporting the welfare of communities surrounding forest areas,” said APP Group Director, Suhendra Wiriadinata.
In addition to technical field efforts, APP Group through PT WKS is strengthening fire mitigation initiatives by collaborating with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) for Weather Modification Operations (OMC).
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on June 11 at the BMKG Headquarters in Jakarta, followed by a plan to conduct a 10-day cloud seeding operation ahead of the dry season in Jambi and South Sumatra. This initiative is intended as a proactive step to reduce the risk of forest and land fires, in line with APP Group’s Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030. (*)
