BNPB Prepares Air Fleet And Technology To Anticipate Forest And Land Fires In 2025

DOK ANTARA/HO-BNPB

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has alerted helicopters, aircraft, and weather modification technology as part of the national strategy to face the dry season and the potential for forest and land fires (karhutla) in 2025.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari said the readiness of fleets and technological facilities was the main focus in anticipating fires before the escalation occurred.

"This year, BNPB has prepared seven patrol helicopters and four water bombing helicopters stationed in various priority provinces. In addition, one aircraft unit for weather modification operations has been operating in Riau since May 4," Abdul said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, May 5.

He explained that the water bombing helicopter did not only water from the air, but was also used to fill a flexible tank with a capacity of five thousand liters which was placed in a strategic location. This tank is used by a ground task force to spray water in a direction to the hotspots.

In addition, BNPB has begun to implement engineering and disaster technology approaches. In this early dry phase, weather modification operations are carried out to fill water reserves in reservoirs, reservoirs, and lakes in areas prone to forest and land fires.

"A total of four types of flights have been carried out with eight hours of flying and carrying three tons of rain seeding materials," said Abdul.

National preparedness Apples were also held on April 29 as an effort to collect field power data, including the number of personnel from various ministries/agencies as well as the availability of equipment such as thrust pumps, jinjing pumps, operational vehicles, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

"We want to make sure all personnel are really ready. Don't let it happen when the fire occurs, the team in the field is still putting out the fire using twigs. Now we have to use adequate and safe equipment," he said.

Abdul said the experience in 2023, when there was no cross-border smoke to neighboring countries, showed the success of an integrated approach in handling forest and land fires.

"We have conveyed this to the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia during a visit to BNPB. This recognition is important as proof of the effectiveness of our system in preventing large-scale forest and land fires," he said.