InfoSAWIT, JAMBI — Facing the threat of increasing forest and land fires (karhutla) during the dry season, the Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, conducted a working visit to Jambi Province on Wednesday (July 30, 2025), to ensure readiness for karhutla control, especially in peat areas that are highly vulnerable to burning.
The visit began with aerial monitoring using a helicopter over the Gambut Jaya Village area, Muaro Jambi Regency. From above, Minister Hanif directly observed the land cover conditions, the water table height of the peat, and the potential fire points in the area.
“Aerial monitoring is very important to ensure the effectiveness of various peat wetting infrastructures that have been built. Areas like Gambut Jaya require extra management to prevent large fires,” said Minister Hanif in an official statement quoted by InfoSAWIT on Saturday (August 2, 2025).
After the monitoring, Minister Hanif led the National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) on Forest and Land Fire Management held at the Governor's Official Residence in Jambi. The meeting was attended by Jambi Governor Al Haris, Head of BNPB Lieutenant General TNI Suharyanto, Head of BMKG Dwikorita Karnawati, Commander of Korem 042/Gapu Brigadier General TNI Heri Purwanto, Forkopimda elements, BPBD, and various community fire care elements.
In his direction, Minister Hanif emphasized that preventing karhutla requires comprehensive collaboration across sectors. “We cannot work alone. This is a shared responsibility. I appreciate the commitment of the Jambi Provincial Government, which actively coordinates karhutla management,” he stressed.
As part of the field strategy, Brigadier General TNI Heri Purwanto presented 11 priority steps, one of which is the establishment of monitoring posts at fire-prone points. “These posts are the frontline in detecting and responding to potential fires before they spread,” he explained.
According to KLH/BPLH data, from January 1 to July 28, 2025, the area burned in Jambi has reached 421.77 hectares, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the national karhutla total. Minister Hanif referred to this figure as an important signal that monitoring and mitigation must be strengthened, especially in peat areas.
As a form of concrete support, KLH/BPLH provided assistance for fire management equipment to the Jambi Provincial Government. This assistance is expected to strengthen the preparedness of field officers.
Meanwhile, Head of BMKG Dwikorita Karnawati reminded that based on the Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS) forecast, several areas in Jambi are at risk of being easily ignited on July 30, August 1-3, and August 5, 2025, especially in the central and eastern parts of the province. “Early preparedness is essential to reduce risks,” she emphasized.
Minister Hanif concluded the agenda by expressing appreciation to all parties who have actively participated in efforts to combat karhutla. “I would like to thank the TNI, Polri, BPBD, Manggala Agni, and the fire care community. Your synergy and dedication are our last bastion in protecting the environment.”
This visit is part of KLH/BPLH's national agenda to ensure that the strategies for controlling karhutla, especially in peat ecosystems, are effectively and sustainably implemented to maintain environmental balance and community safety. (T2)
