PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAMBI — In anticipation of escalating forest and land fires (karhutla) during the dry season, Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, conducted an official visit to Jambi Province on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. The visit aimed to assess preparedness for wildfire mitigation, particularly in highly fire-prone peatland areas.
The visit began with an aerial survey via helicopter over the peatland area of Gambut Jaya Village, Muaro Jambi Regency. From above, Minister Hanif observed land cover conditions, peat water table levels, and potential fire hotspots.
“Aerial monitoring is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of peatland rewetting infrastructure. Areas like Gambut Jaya require intensive management to prevent large-scale fires,” said Minister Hanif in an official statement quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
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Following the survey, Minister Hanif chaired the National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) for Forest and Land Fire Control at the Jambi Governor’s Official Residence. The meeting was attended by Jambi Governor Al Haris, Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, Meteorology and Climatology Agency (BMKG) Head Dwikorita Karnawati, Military Commander of Korem 042/Gapu Brig. Gen. Heri Purwanto, along with representatives from local disaster agencies, law enforcement, and fire-conscious community groups.
In his address, Minister Hanif stressed the need for a cross-sectoral, collaborative approach to fire prevention. “This is not a task we can tackle in isolation. It is a shared responsibility. I appreciate the commitment of the Jambi Provincial Government in actively coordinating wildfire response efforts,” he emphasized.
As part of on-the-ground strategies, Brig. Gen. Heri Purwanto outlined 11 priority actions, including the establishment of monitoring posts in fire-prone zones. “These posts serve as the first line of defense to detect and respond to potential fires before they spread,” he explained.
According to KLH/BPLH data, from January 1 to July 28, 2025, a total of 421.77 hectares of land in Jambi has been burned, representing nearly 10% of total national wildfire occurrences. Minister Hanif described this as a clear warning that monitoring and mitigation must be intensified, especially in peat areas.
To support local efforts, KLH/BPLH handed over firefighting equipment to the Jambi Provincial Government, aimed at strengthening the readiness of field personnel.
Meanwhile, BMKG Head Dwikorita Karnawati warned that based on Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS) projections, several areas in Jambi—particularly in the central and eastern regions—are at high risk of fires between July 30, August 1–3, and August 5, 2025. “Early preparedness is absolutely essential to minimize the threat,” she stressed.
Minister Hanif concluded the visit by expressing gratitude to all parties involved in wildfire prevention efforts. “I thank the military, police, local disaster agencies, Manggala Agni, and community fire groups. Your synergy and dedication are our last line of defense in protecting the environment.”
The visit is part of KLH/BPLH’s national agenda to ensure that peatland fire control strategies are implemented effectively and sustainably to safeguard environmental balance and community safety. (P2)
