HARIANEXPRESS – Jambi Province in Indonesia has deployed two water-bombing helicopters to combat fires that have ravaged six hectares within the Sultan Thaha Saifuddin Forest Park in Batang Hari District. This urgent action by the provincial government aims to control the blaze and mitigate its impact on local communities and air quality.
Governor Al Haris stated that effective firefighting operations are crucial to limit the fires’ spread, as authorities also deploy ground teams to assist in the efforts.
Emergency Response to Forest Blaze
To address the significant fire outbreak, Jambi Province has mobilized two water-bombing helicopters to the affected Sultan Thaha Saifuddin Forest Park.
These aerial assets are part of a broader strategy to ensure firefighting efforts are effective and to contain the blaze quickly.
“We are operating four water-bombing helicopters, but one is still undergoing maintenance. Once it is ready, we will deploy two here,” Jambi Governor Al Haris said.
Governor Al Haris further explained the province’s current aerial resources dedicated to fire suppression.
He noted that while the province operates four water-bombing helicopters, one is currently undergoing necessary maintenance, which affects immediate deployment.
The strategic decision to deploy two operational helicopters to the specific location underscores the urgency and severity of the fire situation.
The provincial government’s overall effort focuses on ensuring these firefighting operations are executed with maximum effectiveness.
A primary goal is to limit the adverse impact of the fires, which have already begun to affect local communities residing near the park.
In addition to aerial support, authorities are actively deploying dedicated ground teams to directly combat the raging fires.
Governor Al Haris underscored that the severity of the situation demands these extensive, multi-pronged firefighting efforts.
The government remains committed to its continuous efforts to contain the destructive fires.
These ongoing operations specifically target the six hectares of land that have already succumbed to the blaze inside the expansive forest park.
Environmental Impact and Public Health Concerns
The fires at Sultan Thaha Saifuddin Forest Park, having currently burned six hectares, have generated significant concern among provincial authorities and the wider public.
Officials are particularly worried about the potential for the blazes to expand further, which could severely degrade air quality across the region.
Such a spread would also pose serious threats to public health for residents living nearby the affected areas.
The Sultan Thaha Saifuddin Forest Park is notably one of 22 designated forest parks found throughout Indonesia.
This vital ecological area covers an immense 15,810 hectares, making it a significant natural asset for the province.
Its vast expanse stretches across multiple administrative divisions, specifically the Bajubang, Muara Bulian, and Tembesi subdistricts within Batang Hari.
Investigation and Prevention Strategies
Governor Al Haris has publicly urged law enforcement agencies to initiate a thorough investigation into the fire’s origins.
The governor specifically called for the identification and prosecution of any individuals suspected of deliberate forest burning, holding them responsible for their actions.
In parallel with law enforcement efforts, the government is actively promoting preventive measures to curb future fire incidents.
One key initiative is the **Pembukaan Lahan Tanpa Bakar (PLTB)** program, which offers an alternative method for land clearing without the use of fire.
The PLTB program provides a practical alternative for individuals and communities who need to clear land for various purposes.
It is specifically designed to enable land clearing without resorting to fire, thereby playing a crucial role in preventing widespread forest and land fires.
“If you want to clear land, the government has a program that does not involve burning. You can apply,” Al Haris said.
This statement encourages local residents and land users to utilize the government-supported, fire-free method.
The initiative highlights the provincial administration’s commitment to sustainable land management practices and environmental protection, aiming to mitigate future fire risks effectively.
