Enviro News Asia, Pontianak — The Ministry of Forestry has conducted inspections of four forestry companies in West Kalimantan to assess their preparedness for forest and land fires (karhutla) amid the expected peak of the dry season and increasing fire risks associated with El Niño.
The inspection involved four companies holding Forest Utilization Business Licenses (PBPH): PT Wanakerta Eka Lestari and PT Mohairson Pawan Khatulistiwa in Ketapang Regency, PT Finantara Intiga in Sanggau Regency, and PT Wana Subur Persada in Ketapang Regency.
The inspection focused on the readiness of facilities, infrastructure, personnel and fire-control systems operated by each company. The Ministry of Forestry said the measure was intended to ensure that corporate fire-prevention systems are fully operational before fires occur.
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho emphasized that fire preparedness is an essential part of responsible forestry management. Companies holding forestry permits are expected to protect forests and communities from smoke pollution and ecological disasters while ensuring that legitimate business activities are not disrupted by fire risks.
The inspection was carried out jointly by the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency for Kalimantan, the West Kalimantan Environmental and Forestry Agency, the Sustainable Forest Management Agency Region X Pontianak, and the Kalimantan Forest Fire Control Agency.
The joint team examined several key components, including observation towers, canal blocking systems, water reservoirs and sources, firefighting equipment, company fire-control teams, and early detection and response systems.
Head of the Kalimantan Forestry Law Enforcement Agency Leonardo Gultom said the inspection was not merely intended to verify the existence of firefighting facilities, but also to assess whether the systems could function effectively when needed.
“Observation towers, water sources, canal blocks, equipment and fire-control teams must be ready,” Leonardo said.
The Ministry of Forestry also warned forestry companies to maintain high levels of preparedness throughout the fire-prone period. Companies that fail to comply with their obligations may face administrative sanctions.
The government is strengthening corporate compliance monitoring, early detection, personnel and equipment readiness, patrols, and cooperation among government institutions, businesses and local communities. These measures are intended to prevent forest and land fires before they escalate into threats to forests, public health, economic activities and public safety. (*)
