Londerang Peatland Fire Comes Under Control as Crews Focus on Cooling the Ground

The fire in Londerang Peat Protection Forest, Jambi, has entered a cooling phase, but officials warn that the danger has not disappeared. Smoke continues to rise from several points, suggesting that embers may remain active beneath the peat surface.

Jambi Governor Al Haris said peat fires require prolonged treatment because flames can spread underground and reappear after the ground dries. “In this Londerang peat forest, there is still a great deal of smoke, which strongly suggests the fire may still be active beneath the surface. Peatland cannot be put out with one soaking of water. The fire keeps spreading, and even when the smoke disappears, it can return when the land dries. That is the characteristic of peatland,” he said while inspecting the site with Maj. Gen. Arief Gajah Mada, commander of the XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol Military Command.

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In this Londerang peat forest, there is still a great deal of smoke, which strongly suggests the fire may still be active beneath the surface. Peatland cannot be put out with one soaking of water. The fire keeps spreading, and even when the smoke disappears, it can return when the land dries. That is the characteristic of peatland.

Field officers estimate that the fire has affected about 86 hectares. Since detecting the blaze on Aug. 27, joint teams have built firebreaks, conducted ground operations and strengthened water supplies. They also constructed a water intake from the Batanghari River to support firefighting.

Al Haris praised the crews involved, saying, “Thankfully, cooling has begun. The teams have done extraordinary work, from isolating the fire points to building the intake on the Batanghari River.” The operation includes the military and police, the regional disaster management agency, Manggala Agni firefighters and business representatives, including PT Wirakarya Sakti, an APP Group unit. Monitoring continues while teams work to extinguish any remaining underground heat.

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Thankfully, cooling has begun. The teams have done extraordinary work, from isolating the fire points to building the intake on the Batanghari River.