Jakarta (ANTARA) – Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono has called for continued peatland rewetting in drought-affected areas of South Sumatra to prevent forest and land fires.
“We need to raise groundwater levels in peatlands experiencing drought by constructing canal blocks,” Diaz said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Friday.
“For canals with insufficient water, we will draw water from nearby rivers using an intake system and channel it into canals in fire-prone concession areas with centrifugal pumps,” he said.
Diaz made the remarks while inspecting fire suppression operations in Palembang, South Sumatra, on October 7.
He stressed the need to strengthen preventive measures, including the construction of canal blocks to maintain peatland hydrology and reduce the risk of recurring fires.
During an inspection of two peatland fire sites in Talang Kelapa Sub-district, Diaz confirmed that various response measures had been implemented, including coordinated weather modification operations (OMC) and water bombing, alongside fire prevention efforts.
“I was informed that OMC and water bombing operations have been coordinated, although some challenges remain,” Diaz said.
“Fire prevention measures are underway, but continuous ground-based suppression efforts are also needed to ensure a comprehensive response. I hope the water pumps are used effectively,” he added.
To support firefighting efforts, the Environment Ministry provided five water pumps to Palembang. The equipment was handed over to the local government, the South Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and groups known as Fire-Aware Communities (MPA).
Diaz also distributed face masks to residents living near the affected areas.
He subsequently chaired a coordination meeting on forest and land fire management in South Sumatra, attended by 43 private companies holding concessions in areas where fire hotspots had been detected.
During the meeting, Diaz urged the companies to commit to supporting the development of an ecosystem conducive to canal blocking measures.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Primayanti
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