Riau Police Efforts To Strengthen Forest And Land Fire Prevention

Illustration. (doc. Riau Police)

JAKARTA - Efforts to prevent forest and land fires (karhutla) in Riau Province have been strengthened by the distribution of the warning sign for the prohibition of activities in the former fire area.

This activity was carried out through a joint rally in the courtyard of the Riau Governor's Office, Wednesday, September 24, which was attended by elements of the Riau Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), ranks of the National Police (TNI), the Attorney General's Office, Courts, district/city governments, as well as related technical stakeholders from the environment, plantations, to disaster management agencies.

A number of the main officials (PJU) of the Riau Police and all the Police Chiefs were also present to ensure that the distribution of the sign was carried out according to the target.

Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryyawan emphasized that the distribution of signposts was a follow-up to the program that had been run by the Riau Police for a long time.

According to him, this step is a tangible manifestation of the seriousness of the Riau Police together with the Riau Provincial Government in preventing forest and land fires.

"We want to make sure the burned land is no longer misused, and all parties have the same sense of responsibility to protect the environment," said Herry Heryyawan, Wednesday, September 24.

The existence of the sign will further strengthen law enforcement measures in the field as well as increase public awareness.

The man who is often called Herimen added that prevention is always better than countermeasures. Therefore, the Riau Police invites all parties, especially people around vulnerable areas, to make this sign a reminder that forest and land fires are common enemies.

"With the continuity of programs between the provincial government, Riau Police, and other stakeholders, it is hoped that public awareness will increase, collaboration will be more solid, and forest and land fires that harm the ecosystem, health, and economy can be significantly suppressed," said Herry.

Meanwhile, Riau Governor Abdul Wahid in his remarks emphasized that the distribution of this sign was not just a symbolic activity, but part of a collective commitment to protecting Lancang Kuning from the threat of forest and land fires.

"This sign is a reminder and a real invitation to the public to always be vigilant, not to abuse the former fire land, and to actively participate in preserving the environment," said Abdul Wahid.

He added that this program is in line with the national target of reducing emissions through the 2030 FOLU Net Sink scheme which targets negative net emissions of minus 140 million tons of CO2e by 2030.

"Efforts to control forest and land fires cannot only be carried out by one party. All elements must cooperate. The government, officials, the private sector, academics, indigenous peoples, youth groups, and the fire care community move in one command, one direction, and one step," said Abdul.