“This is our effort to implement preventive, mitigation, and response measures,” Kubu Raya District Head Sujiwo said in Sungai Raya on Sunday.
Sujiwo stated that the emergency alert status has been in effect since January 14 and was followed by preparations for a roll call involving all relevant agencies to strengthen coordination and mitigation efforts.
He explained that the trend of forest and land fires has shown a significant increase. Previously, there were around 20 hotspots, but the number has now surged to 58, spread across several areas of Kubu Raya.
To address the situation, Sujiwo instructed the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to serve as the integrated command center to facilitate cross-agency coordination.
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According to him, handling forest and land fires cannot be done in isolation and must involve various stakeholders, including the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), Manggala Agni, the Fire Awareness Community (MPA), and private firefighting units.
In addition to strengthening coordination, the district government has ensured full support for operational budgets. Sujiwo emphasized that all logistical needs for personnel—such as food, drinking water, and fuel—would be fully covered by the district government.
“As for the budget, I will provide 100 percent support. I don’t want officers fighting fires until dawn without their basic needs being met,” he said.
The district government is also reviewing honorariums for firefighters as a form of appreciation for their work and the risks they face while on duty.
Sujiwo emphasized that he is ready to take full responsibility for the consequences of all policies, including budgetary decisions, to ensure optimal handling of forest and land fires.
Beyond firefighting efforts, the district government is also paying close attention to public health. Residents have been advised to limit outdoor activities, especially at night, and to wear masks to reduce exposure to smoke.
He also urged the public to actively participate in fire prevention efforts by refraining from clearing land through burning.
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Translator: Rendra Oxtora, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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