InfoSAWIT, PONTIANAK — The issue of land fires has once again become a focal point in the consolidation of preparedness for forest fire control in West Kalimantan Province. In front of stakeholders, the Minister of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, emphasized that all palm oil plantation companies—including those affiliated with the Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Association (Gapki) Kalbar—must be ready and responsible in supporting efforts to prevent and mitigate land fires.
This message was conveyed by Minister Hanif while leading a Consolidation Meeting on Personnel and Equipment Preparedness for Land Fire Control at the Ibis Hotel Pontianak on Saturday (May 17), followed by a field visit to PT Putra Lirik Domas, a palm oil plantation company operating in Kubu Raya Regency.
"Land fires are a serious threat that cannot be resolved solely by the government. Collaboration from all parties, especially plantation companies, is needed," Hanif stressed, as reported by InfoSAWIT from the official FB page of the West Kalimantan Plantation Office on Monday (May 19, 2025). He reminded that the readiness of fire control equipment and personnel in plantation companies must adhere to applicable regulations.
Also present at the event were the Secretary of the West Kalimantan Province, Dr. Harisson, representing the Governor of West Kalimantan, the Head of the West Kalimantan Plantation and Livestock Office, and the Head of the West Kalimantan Environment and Forestry Office. Their presence symbolizes cross-sector support for the national agenda to prevent forest fires.
Hanif added that local governments—both at the provincial and district levels—are urged to continuously evaluate the readiness of companies in land fire control. This applies not only to companies affiliated with Gapki but also to those that are not members.
"Gapki must actively encourage its members to comply with regulations and conduct self-assessments. We do not want the government to have to intervene forcefully due to corporate negligence," Hanif stated.
During the visit to PT Putra Lirik Domas, Minister Hanif, along with the Secretary of West Kalimantan and representatives from related agencies, directly inspected the readiness of fire control equipment and personnel. They observed equipment such as fire pumps, hydrant systems, and the preparedness of the company's internal firefighting team.
The event concluded with the planting of fruit trees on the company's land as a symbol of commitment to environmental sustainability and the involvement of the business world in ecosystem restoration.
This step marks the beginning of a larger effort that must be continuously pursued by companies in the plantation sector. In facing the upcoming dry season, preparedness is no longer an option but an obligation. (T2)
