DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Environment & Climate

Indonesian authorities monitor peatland fires from the air

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Ongoing story
  • Indonesian authorities are monitoring and combating peatland fires in Muaro Jambi.
  • The Kapolda of Jambi and the head of BNPB conducted an aerial survey to assess the situation.
  • Investigations into the cause of the fires and legal action against perpetrators are underway, with over 50 hectares affected.

Indonesian authorities, including the Kapolda of Jambi and the Deputy for Emergency Handling at BNPB, conducted an aerial patrol over Muaro Jambi on Wednesday to monitor peatland fires. The operation aimed to ensure optimal handling of the "karhutla" (forest and land fires).

Today, together with the BNPB team and the Karhutla Task Force, we used a helicopter to see the fire location directly on the peatland in Muaro Jambi Regency.

— Krisno H. SiregarKapolda of Jambi, describing the aerial monitoring of peatland fires.

During the patrol, which utilized a fixed-wing aircraft from BNPB, officials observed that fires in several peatland locations had been extinguished. However, ongoing cooling and monitoring efforts are crucial due to the potential for fires to reignite in peat, as emphasized by Kapolda Jambi Irjen Pol. Krisno H. Siregar. "The cooling process on peatlands is very crucial because the fire has the potential to re-emerge if it is not carried out thoroughly," he stated.

Alhamdulillah, the fire has been extinguished, but there is still smoke, so cooling and monitoring continue.

— Krisno H. SiregarKapolda of Jambi, reporting on the status of the fires.

Mayjen TNI Budi Irawan, Deputy for Emergency Handling at BNPB, confirmed the ongoing inter-agency synergy to ensure swift, measured, and effective fire management. Beyond controlling the fires, the Jambi Regional Police are investigating the causes and identifying responsible parties. "We will take firm legal action," Krisno asserted, noting that seven suspects are already being handled in relation to forest and land fires. The fires have impacted over 50 hectares of peatland in the Air Merah Village area in the past week, with the Karhutla Task Force employing ground suppression and water bombing.

The cooling process on peatlands is very crucial because the fire has the potential to re-emerge if it is not carried out thoroughly.

— Krisno H. SiregarKapolda of Jambi, emphasizing the importance of complete fire suppression.

Authorities urged the public to refrain from burning activities, such as carelessly burning trash or clearing land by fire, which can easily trigger larger fires. "Do not burn trash carelessly because it can cause fires. Especially opening land and then burning it. This is very dangerous," Krisno concluded.

We will take firm legal action.

— Krisno H. SiregarKapolda of Jambi, vowing to prosecute those responsible for the fires.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog