The initiative in Tepian Makmur Village combines fire-prevention training with community-based environmental protection under Apical’s Sustainable Living Village program.
PALMOILMAGAZINE, RANTAU PULUNG — Apical and Earthworm Foundation are strengthening community preparedness for forest and land fires in Tepian Makmur Village, East Kalimantan, through fire-prevention training and practical emergency-response education.
The initiative was carried out in collaboration with KPHP Bengalon and the Tepian Makmur village government at the village hall in Rantau Pulung, Kutai Timur district. Participants included village officials, community leaders, farmer groups and members of the village’s local fire-response volunteer group.
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The training covered measures to prevent forest and land fires, the use of firefighting equipment, construction of firebreaks and initial response procedures when potential fire hotspots are detected.
The program forms part of the Sustainable Living Village (SLV) initiative implemented by Apical and Earthworm Foundation in Tepian Makmur, Tepian Indah and Tepian Langsat villages since 2024. The program is scheduled to run through 2029 and combines livelihood development with environmental protection through collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.
Tepian Makmur Village Head Suharto said community participation is essential to reducing fire risks, particularly by discouraging the use of fire for land clearing and ensuring local volunteers are prepared to respond to fires at an early stage.
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“We are committed to keeping Tepian Makmur free from smoke caused by forest and land fires. Through this outreach, we are encouraging residents, particularly farmers, to stop using fire to clear land. We are also strengthening the role of local volunteers so they are ready to respond quickly if a fire hotspot emerges,” Suharto said in a statement received by PalmOilMagazine on September 15, 2026.
Building Local Capacity
Apical CSR Manager Agus Wiastono said the initiative is intended to address practical needs within communities surrounding the company’s program areas.
“Through the Sustainable Living Village program, we want to deliver relevant benefits to communities by strengthening their capacity to protect the environment and respond to risks in their surroundings. Forest and land fire prevention requires community preparedness and strong collaboration among the village government, KPHP Bengalon, Earthworm Foundation and local residents,” Agus said.
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During the session, KPHP Bengalon provided information on regulations and legal provisions governing forest and land burning. Participants also received practical guidance on firefighting equipment and the construction of firebreaks designed to help contain the spread of fire.
The training also emphasized early detection and rapid reporting as critical components of community-level fire prevention.
Apical and Earthworm Foundation said strengthening local capacity is intended to support both environmental protection and the long-term resilience of communities in the area.
About Tepian Makmur Village
Tepian Makmur is located in Rantau Pulung subdistrict, Kutai Timur district, East Kalimantan province. Since 2024, the village has been one of three locations covered by the Sustainable Living Village program implemented by Apical in partnership with Earthworm Foundation/Yayasan Hutan Tropis. The program is scheduled to continue through 2029. (P2)
