12 Regions In South Sumatra Prone To Forest And Land Fires, Alert Status Still Waiting
PALEMBANG - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of South Sumatra Province mapped at least 12 regencies/cities in the area as areas prone to forest and land fires (karhutla).
The Head of the Emergency Handling Division of the South Sumatra BPBD, Sudirman, said that currently the process of determining the emergency alert status of the provincial level forest and land fires is still waiting for a decision from at least two districts/cities.
"There are 12 areas prone to forest and land fires, namely Ogan Ilir, Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI), Banyuasin, Musi Banyuasin, Muara Enim, PALI, Lahat, East OKU, Musi Rawas, North Musi Rawas, OKU, and South OKU," said Sudirman in Palembang, Antara, Wednesday, May 21.
Sudirman added that the three districts are in the process of finalizing the status of emergency alert, namely Ogan Ilir, Banyuasin, and Musi Banyuasin.
"Ogan Ilir has experienced forest and land fires three times and has held a standby rally. Currently, we are just waiting for the regent's signature. Likewise, Banyuasin and Musi Banyuasin," he explained.
If the two of the three districts have officially declared an emergency alert status, then the South Sumatra Provincial Government can immediately raise the regional forest and land fire emergency status.
The priority areas for handling are areas with peatlands that are prone to fire such as OKI, Ogan Ilir, Banyuasin, Musi Banyuasin, Muara Enim, and PALI. Sudirman also highlighted the potential for traffic disruption due to forest and land fires on strategic routes such as toll roads.
"Our priority is also on toll roads in Ogan Ilir. Do not let forest and land fires interfere with traffic flow. The forest and land fires post is at BPBD Ogan Ilir and they have collaborated with toll road managers," he said.
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As an anticipatory measure, the South Sumatra BPBD will also submit a weather modification operation (OMC) to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the Ministry of Environment at the end of June 2025.
"The implementation of OMC for about a week depends on the availability of clouds for seeding," he concluded.