Enviro News Asia, Palembang — Three APP Group partner companies in South Sumatra — PT Bumi Mekar Hijau (BMH), PT Bumi Andalas Permai (BAP), and PT Rimba Hutani Mas (RHM) — received awards from the South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel) for their contribution and dedication in preventing and controlling forest and land fires (karhutla) in South Sumatra.
The awards were presented during the Forest and Land Fire Mitigation Training organized by Polda Sumsel from 20–22 May 2026 at Jakabaring Sport City (JSC), Palembang. The event, attended by various stakeholders, concluded with a Forest and Land Fire Preparedness Roll Call at the South Sumatra Police Headquarters.
Deputy Chief of South Sumatra Police Brig. Gen. Rony Samtana, representing the South Sumatra Police Chief, expressed appreciation to all speakers and participants for strengthening regional fire mitigation capacity.
“Forest and land fires are not only about fire and haze, but also concern public safety, public health, environmental sustainability, economic activities, and the reputation of both the region and the nation. Therefore, addressing them requires collaboration and the involvement of all elements of society,” Rony stated while delivering the Police Chief’s remarks.
He emphasized that cross-sector synergy is an essential part of supporting President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita program, particularly in maintaining security stability, environmental sustainability, and public welfare.
The South Sumatra Police also instructed all police units to prioritize humane and professional approaches in forest and land fire mitigation, including strengthening preventive measures through regular hotspot monitoring, routine patrols in fire-prone areas, and persuasive public education.
“Strengthen anticipatory measures through regular hotspot monitoring, maximize the use of available technology and infrastructure, conduct routine patrols in peatland and other fire-prone areas, and build persuasive and responsive communication with local communities,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Forest Concession Holders Association (APHI), Soewarso, expressed appreciation for APHI member companies in South Sumatra that received the awards.
“APHI will continue supporting effective and sustainable efforts carried out by member companies in preventing and controlling forest and land fires. We also hope that synergy among companies, government institutions, law enforcement agencies, and communities will continue to be strengthened,” Soewarso said.
Representing the award recipients, President Director of PT Bumi Mekar Hijau, Khafid Sudrajat, expressed gratitude for the recognition awarded to APP Group partner companies in South Sumatra.
“We would like to thank the South Sumatra Police for this award. It motivates us to further strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders and optimize company resources in forest and land fire prevention and preparedness efforts,” Khafid stated.
As an APP Group supplier partner, Khafid explained that the company implements an Integrated Fire Management (IFM) approach focusing on four key pillars: prevention, preparedness, early detection, and rapid response.
Under the prevention pillar, the company operates the Desa Makmur Peduli Api (DMPA) program as part of forest conservation efforts while also empowering local communities socially and economically around operational areas.
The company also ensures that all supporting facilities and infrastructure for early detection and rapid response remain operational and comply with applicable regulations.
“Monitoring of fire-prone areas is carried out intensively through the use of technology, routine patrols, and strengthened field monitoring systems. In terms of rapid response, the company integrates patrol zones, monitoring posts, firefighting equipment, rapid response teams, and communication systems to accelerate fire suppression efforts,” he explained.
Through these strategic and sustainable measures, along with strengthened collaboration among companies, communities, and government institutions, APP Group partner companies in South Sumatra continue demonstrating their commitment to responsible sustainable forest management while reinforcing long-term forest and land fire prevention efforts. (*)
