PALMOILMAGAZINE, MUSI BANYUASIN — Forest and land fires have once again struck Musi Banyuasin (Muba) Regency, South Sumatra. At least 70 hectares of peatland — covered with shrubs and oil palm plantations — were reported to have burned in Mangasang Village, Bayung Lencir District.
Head of Muba’s Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Pathi Riduan, confirmed the incident. “Yes, approximately 70 hectares of peatland have burned. Ground crews are working intensively to extinguish the fire. The affected area consists of shrubs and oil palm plantations,” he said, as quoted by Detik on Thursday (31/7/2025).
Aerial patrols on Monday afternoon (28/7) detected persistent hot spots and smoke in the area. Pathi noted the fire had been burning for two days. “The fire began two days ago. It was put out yesterday, but since it’s peatland, the fire reemerged. Cooling efforts have also been carried out,” he added.
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Fire suppression is being conducted by land, involving personnel from the military, BPBD, Manggala Agni, local communities, and plantation companies. Teams are using water pumps drawing from nearby canals.
In addition to Bayung Lencir, fires were also reported in Sri Damai Village, Keluang District, where around 1.5 hectares of land with cleared vegetation on mineral soil burned. “In Sri Damai, the fire has been successfully extinguished and the situation is now under control,” Pathi said.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, especially as the region enters the dry season — a period highly prone to forest and land fires. (P2)
