Enviro News Asia, Lombok East — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, through the Forest and Land Fire Control Center for Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara (Dalkarhut Jabalnusra), together with Mount Rinjani National Park and a joint firefighting team, has successfully contained a forest fire covering approximately 30 hectares in Sembalun District, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
The fire occurred in the conservation area on August 7, 2026, where dry savanna and shrub vegetation created highly flammable conditions. The affected area was brought under control on August 8, followed by mopping-up operations that continued until 1:30 a.m. local time to ensure that no remaining embers or hotspots could reignite.
The rapid response began after the area manager reported the fire. The Dalkarhut Jabalnusra Region III Mataram immediately deployed Manggala Agni personnel and firefighting equipment to reinforce the joint team already operating at the site.
After the main flames were extinguished, personnel continued with mopping-up, cooling and monitoring operations to identify and eliminate any remaining sources of heat and prevent a renewed fire.
Head of Dalkarhut Jabalnusra Bambang Setyo Antoko said rapid response and cross-sector collaboration were essential to preventing the fire from spreading further.
“Every fire incident in a conservation area must be addressed as early as possible. The rapid response of Manggala Agni, area managers and all personnel in the field is key to early fire control. This collaboration must continue to be strengthened because successful fire management is a shared responsibility,” Bambang said.
He emphasized that firefighting efforts do not end once the flames are extinguished. Continued monitoring and vigilance remain necessary, particularly in areas covered by savanna vegetation that can easily catch fire during the current dry season.
Mount Rinjani National Park is an important conservation area in West Nusa Tenggara, providing vital ecological functions, including biodiversity protection, habitat for various plant and animal species, water regulation and ecosystem sustainability. The area also holds significant social and cultural value for surrounding communities, with traditions and livelihoods connected to the landscape across generations.
The Ministry of Forestry therefore emphasized the importance of preventing forest fires through broad participation to protect the conservation area and its ecological, social and cultural values.
“The firefighting operation in Sembalun demonstrates the importance of cooperation among Manggala Agni, conservation area managers, the Indonesian Military, the National Police, community fire brigades and other stakeholders. Joint efforts in the field allowed the fire to be quickly contained and extinguished before it could spread further,” Bambang said.
The Ministry of Forestry continues to urge government personnel and communities to remain alert to the risk of forest and land fires, particularly during the current dry season.
Residents who observe smoke or signs of fire inside or near forest areas are encouraged to immediately report them to authorities or conservation area managers so that early intervention can be carried out.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni also urged the public and relevant authorities to make full use of early warning systems and monitoring technologies.
“Do not wait until the fire grows. Use our early warning system through Sipongi+ hotspot monitoring and other technologies, conduct early detection and take action as soon as possible. Every prevention and early response effort is important to keeping forests sustainable,” Raja Juli said. (*)
