HARIANEXPRESS – The Blitar City Police (Polresta Blitar) is intensifying its preventive measures to combat forest and land fires (KARHUTLA). On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, personnel installed warning banners and educated residents in areas prone to such incidents.
These efforts specifically targeted the slopes of Mount Pegat, encompassing Desa Kebonduren and Desa Kawedusan in Ponggok District, Blitar Regency. In addition to banner installations, police patrols were conducted to monitor public safety and order (kamtibmas) and to anticipate potential security disturbances.
Polresta Blitar’s Proactive Prevention Strategy
The measures come in response to the increasing potential for KARHUTLA events, particularly with prevailing dry environmental conditions. Polresta Blitar is committed to early prevention to minimize risks.
AKBP Kalfaris Triwijaya Lalo, the Blitar Police Chief, conveyed through the Head of Public Relations, AKP Sjamsul Anwar, that these steps demonstrate police readiness.
“Responding to the recent increase in KARHUTLA incidents, Polresta Kota is actively going into the field to provide warnings and education to the community. In addition to direct engagement, education is also carried out through social media,” said AKP Sjamsul.
According to Sjamsul, the banners prohibiting land burning were placed at two crucial points: the slopes of Mount Pegat in the Kebonduren and Kawedusan village areas. This strategic placement aims to raise public awareness and deter indiscriminate burning activities.
Community Involvement Urged
Residents, especially those active around the Mount Pegat slopes, are reminded to avoid burning trash, bushes, or land. Such actions carry a high risk, as dry conditions can cause fires to spread rapidly and ignite larger blazes.
The patrols also serve a dual purpose beyond KARHUTLA prevention, helping maintain a secure and conducive kamtibmas situation within the Ponggok Sector Police’s jurisdiction. Polresta Blitar invites the community to collaboratively protect the environment and actively participate in preventing forest and land fires.
The police urge anyone who observes land-burning activities with the potential to cause a fire to report it immediately to law enforcement or relevant authorities. Through continuous banners, education, and patrols, Polresta Blitar is dedicated to early prevention, aiming to minimize KARHUTLA risks and uphold public safety and order in its jurisdiction.
