Enviro News Asia, Pekanbaru — Collaboration between forest concession holders, local governments and communities is strengthening efforts to prevent forest and land fires (karhutla) in Sungai Apit District, Siak Regency, Riau Province.
The approach brings together holders of Business Licenses for Forest Utilization (PBPH), district and village governments, law enforcement personnel and local communities to improve preparedness and respond more quickly when fires occur.
Chairman of the Riau chapter of the Indonesian Forestry Entrepreneurs Association (APHI), Muller Tampubolon, said fire prevention requires cooperation across administrative and operational boundaries because fires, smoke and landscapes can affect areas beyond individual concession boundaries.
“APHI members are not only strengthening protection within their working areas but are also seeking to support firefighting in surrounding villages and districts when additional personnel, equipment or operational facilities are needed,” Muller said in Pekanbaru.
He said assistance outside concession areas could help prevent fires from expanding and spreading to neighboring locations. Such support, he added, must remain coordinated with fire emergency task forces, local governments, security authorities and community representatives.
Muller said recognition from the Sungai Apit Subdistrict Government and Mengkapan Village Government for PBPH operators reflected the importance of maintaining constructive relations between forest managers and surrounding communities.
He described the recognition as a responsibility to further strengthen cooperation, particularly through early detection, integrated patrols, water-source preparedness, community capacity building and rapid mobilization of firefighting resources.
Sungai Apit Subdistrict Head Tengku Muktasar welcomed the contribution of PBPH operators to firefighting efforts in the area.
“Fire management requires joint action. Support from PBPH operators has strengthened the efforts of the subdistrict and village governments, authorities and communities to control fires and protect surrounding areas,” he said.
Muktasar also called for regular communication and coordination among stakeholders, particularly before the onset of high-risk periods. Early coordination would allow communities and authorities to prepare personnel, firefighting equipment, access routes and water sources in advance.
Mengkapan Village Head Muhir said residents had benefited directly from PBPH assistance during fire incidents affecting the village.
He said the village government’s recognition of the companies was intended to express appreciation for their support, while encouraging continued cooperation in protecting communities from the impacts of forest and land fires.
The village government also plans to strengthen public awareness campaigns discouraging the use of fire for land clearing and encouraging residents to exercise greater caution when using fire during the dry season.
APHI Riau is encouraging stakeholders in Sungai Apit to develop a village-based joint fire prevention plan. The plan could include mapping fire-prone areas, identifying firefighting access routes and water sources, establishing rapid reporting mechanisms and involving community-based fire prevention groups.
Sustained cooperation between PBPH operators, local governments and communities is expected to improve village resilience during the dry season while helping protect public health, livelihoods and the environment in Siak Regency. (*)
