Enviro News Asia, Pontianak — Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has emphasized the safety and health of Manggala Agni personnel as they carry out forest and land fire (karhutla) suppression operations in West Kalimantan.
Antoni delivered the message while leading a morning assembly with personnel from the Manggala Agni Forestry Operations Unit (Daops) Kalimantan VIII/Pontianak on Friday (September 4), before the teams were deployed to fire suppression locations across the province.
The assembly was held a day after Antoni inspected forest and land fire sites in Kubu Raya Regency and announced the revocation of business permits for five companies whose concession areas had been affected by fires.
During the assembly, Antoni also led a joint prayer before the personnel departed for their respective operational areas.
“I continue to hope, pray, and think about the welfare of all of you,” Antoni said in his address. He expressed hope that all Manggala Agni personnel would overcome the fires and emerge from the crisis safely and in good health.
The minister also expressed his appreciation for the personnel’s dedication and persistence in fighting forest and land fires, saying their efforts had provided meaningful assistance to communities and reflected positively on the Ministry of Forestry.
Antoni also delivered a message of encouragement, reminding the personnel that every individual is entrusted with responsibilities and challenges according to their abilities.
He said the major challenges posed by forest and land fires could be overcome collectively if the work was carried out with sincerity, commitment, and dedication.
“Continue to demonstrate your dedication to the community, the country, and the nation. God willing, this is not only our duty in this world, but will also bring reward in the hereafter,” Antoni said.
Following the assembly and prayer, Manggala Agni personnel from Daops Kalimantan VIII/Pontianak were deployed to fire suppression locations across West Kalimantan.
The Ministry of Forestry urged all stakeholders to support forest and land fire control efforts and refrain from clearing or preparing land through burning. (*)
