Kemenhut strengthens preparedness for forest fires in Jambi, PBPH holder signs zero fire commitment 

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Forestry has strengthened its readiness to handle forest and land fires (karhutla) in Jambi Province by gathering holders of Forest Utilization Business Permits (PBPH) and Forest Management Units (KPH).

This step was taken to tighten the prevention of forest fires ahead of the fire-prone season.

The readiness was strengthened through a Coordination Meeting for Handling Karhutla which was held by the Sustainable Forest Management Office (BPHL) Region IV. The main focus of the meeting was to ensure the readiness of personnel, facilities and infrastructure, field patrols, communication systems, and cross-agency coordination.

This effort is an implementation of President Prabowo Subianto's instructions which emphasize the importance of maintaining forest and environmental sustainability as the foundation of national development. The instructions were translated by the Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni through strengthening the prevention system and preparedness for karhutla in various regions of Indonesia.

KPH is involved because it has a strategic role in monitoring the area, early detection, and early response to potential fires at the site level.

Head of BPHL Region IV Andi Rohaendi said prevention remained the most effective step in controlling forest and land fires.

"Through this Zero Karhutla commitment, we hope that all PBPH holders can consistently carry out their responsibilities to prevent forest and land fires in Jambi Province," said Andi Rohaendi in his statement, Monday, August 3.

During the meeting, participants received exposure to the level of vulnerability to forest fires in Jambi, weather and climate forecasts, disaster management strategies, and steps to strengthen preparedness in the PBPH and KPH work areas.

Head of the Sultan Thaha Jambi Class I Meteorological Station Ibnu Sulistyono emphasized the importance of using weather information as a basis for decision-making in the field.

"Because early vigilance is an important factor in preventing forest and land fires," said Ibnu Sulistyono.

Meanwhile, the Head of Emergency and Logistics of the Jambi Provincial BPBD, Andre Eko Rinjani, assessed that handling the forest fire could not rely on one agency. According to him, challenges such as limited access, water sources, peatland characteristics, and weather factors require integrated coordination.

"Forest fire management cannot be carried out by one agency alone. The limitations on access, water sources, peatland characteristics, weather, and burning behavior must be faced through the readiness of personnel, equipment, integrated posts, and collaboration between the government, business world, and community," said Andre.

The Ministry of Forestry also encourages PBPH holders to ensure the readiness of organizations, human resources, fire control equipment, and strengthen integrated patrols and coordination with local governments, communities, and related parties.

At the end of the meeting, all PBPH holders in Jambi Province signed the Zero Forest and Land Fire Commitment Statement. This commitment is part of efforts to strengthen prevention, early detection, and rapid response to potential fires in the Jambi forest area.