Muara Enim Sets Drought And Forestry Emergency Alert Status

Illustration of drought in rice fields (ANTARA)

MUARA ENIM Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra has declared a dry hydrometeorological disaster emergency alert status as an anticipatory measure for this year's long dry season.

"Determination of this status is to anticipate drought and forest and land fires (karhutla) in Muara Enim," said Head of BPBD Muara Enim, Abdurrozieq Putra, quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, July 17.

This status is determined based on the Decree of the Muara Enim Regent Number 359/KPTS/BPBD/2025 concerning the Emergency State of the Dry Hydrometeorological Disaster due to the potential for drought and forest and land fires. This alert status period is valid until the peak of the dry season which is expected to last until August 2025.

This step was taken to minimize the impact of disasters, especially smog, through efforts to quickly, precisely, and integrated according to operational standards and disaster management procedures.

As a follow-up, BPBD formed a Command Post involving regional apparatus and related agencies according to their respective duties and functions.

Abdurrozieq explained that his party had mapped 19 forest and land fire-prone sub-districts during the dry season, including Muara Belida, Gelumbang, Lawang Kidul, Tanjung Agung, Belida Darat, Kelekar, Lembak, Lubai, Lubai Ulu, and Rambang.

Other vulnerable areas include the Districts of Empat Petulai Dangku, Belimbing, Gunung Megang, Ujan Emas, Panang Enim, Semende Darat Ulu, Semende Darat Tengah, and Semende Darat Laut.

"These areas are classified as vulnerable because they have peat and organic land that is flammable, and are close to mining areas," he explained.

As part of mitigation efforts, BPBD has also prepared a number of forest and land fire control equipment, including fire engines that can reach fire locations in terrain that are difficult for four-wheeled vehicles to pass.