Balikpapan, E Kalimantan (ANTARA) – A total of 583 wildfire prevention educators from the Indonesian military, deployed to prevent forest and land fires, arrived in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, to strengthen efforts in several wildfire-prone areas.
The team, comprising wildfire prevention educators and Alpha wildfire teams, arrived aboard an Indonesian Air Force C-130H Hercules aircraft.
The deployed 583 wildfire prevention educators comprise 50 senior officers and 533 mid-ranking officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force and military headquarters.
“We want prevention to start early. The personnel will educate communities, raise awareness, and encourage residents to work together to protect the environment,” VI/Mulawarman Military Command Chief of Staff Brigadier General Andy Setyawan said here on Saturday.
The team was also welcomed by Dhomber Air Base Commander Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Sorga Laksana, Balikpapan Military District Commander Colonel Denny Salurerung and Balikpapan Naval Base Commander Colonel Rudhiro Pratomo.
All personnel immediately departed Dhomber Air Base for their respective deployment locations.
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The wildfire prevention education team was assigned to the Balikpapan Hajj Dormitory, while the Alpha team headed to the Dodikjur VI/Mulawarman Barracks to prepare for field operations.
Andy said tackling wildfires requires more than firefighting once fires have started. Prevention, education, and community involvement are crucial during the dry season.
“Prevention must be a joint effort. Public education, awareness, and concern are the foundations for reducing wildfires from an early stage,” he said.
Besides East Kalimantan, military wildfire prevention personnel are being deployed gradually to other vulnerable provinces, including West Kalimantan, South Sumatra, Lampung, Riau, and North Kalimantan.
The cross-regional deployment is part of the military’s commitment in supporting government efforts to reduce wildfire risks nationwide.
The deployment of educators and specialised teams is expected to strengthen coordination among the military, local governments, relevant agencies and communities to suppress hotspots more effectively.
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Translator: Arumanto, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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