Local governments urged to improve forest fire management

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan has called on the regional governments, particularly those in South Sumatra, to improve their preparedness in handling forest and land fires.

"Through the Forest and Land Fire Management Coordination Desk, we are actively encouraging and strengthening regional governments in general, and the South Sumatra government in particular, to implement early response measures through online coordination meetings, which began in early 2025," Gunawan stated in a press release received here on Wednesday.

The minister noted that regional government preparedness is crucial, as forest and land fires in South Sumatra are occurring more frequently.

Furthermore, South Sumatra is currently designated by the government as a forest and land fire emergency zone.

Hence, he encouraged regional governments to collaborate with all stakeholders to extinguish the forest and land fires and prevent their spread.

Beyond tackling the forest and land fires, Gunawan also urged regional governments to manage the evacuation of residents and to conduct post-fire land rehabilitation.

"I appreciate collaboration and cooperation carried out in South Sumatra Province, both with central and regional agencies, as well as with corporations and the community," he stated.

He expressed hope that with serious efforts from the regional government, forest and land fires in South Sumatra can be brought under control so residents can resume their activities safely.

"Let us mobilize our best efforts to protect the people, the environment, and Indonesia's credibility internationally," he concluded.

Previously, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) announced that South Sumatra has declared a forest and land fire emergency alert status, effective until November 30, 2025, in response to fires affecting 47 hectares in the province.

Abdul Muhari, Head of the Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center at BNPB, stated here on Tuesday that the status was declared after forest and land fires broke out on Sunday, July 27, in Musi Banyuasin, Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir, and Ogan Ilir districts.

The BNPB confirmed that forest and land fires in South Sumatra were among eight disasters recorded in the past week, with fires being the most frequent during this period.

As of July 29, 2025, some 47 hectares of mineral and peatland had burned in South Sumatra.

According to satellite monitoring systems, BNPB also reported 21 hotspots currently under observation in the province.