Indonesia intensifies forest fire prevention and community security

Efforts to prevent forest and land fires (Karhutla) are being intensified across several Indonesian regions through community engagement and economic initiatives. In Kalimantan Tengah, PT Triputra Agro Persada Tbk (TAP), via its subsidiary PT Gawi Bahandep Sawit Mekar (GBSM), has deployed 585 personnel and implemented early detection technology to manage fire risks year-round.

To address the human factors behind land burning, TAP has introduced the Desa Makmur Peduli Api (DMPA) program. In Jahitan Village, this initiative converted fire prevention rewards into a productive brick-making business, providing sustainable employment for local residents and reducing the economic necessity of land clearing through fire.

Simultaneously, in the Kepulauan Meranti Regency, local police (Polres Kepulauan Meranti) are conducting community patrols to maintain public order ahead of village head elections (Pilkades) and to raise awareness regarding forest fire prevention. Authorities emphasize that maintaining security and preventing environmental disasters requires active collaboration between law enforcement and local citizens.