BNPB deploys helicopters for Sumatra and Kalimantan forest fires

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57 minutes ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has deployed dozens of helicopters to contain and prevent forest and land fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

BNPB Acting Head of Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center Berton SP Panjaitan stated on Friday that the fleet has been assigned to six priority provinces, tailored to local field conditions.

“The operation of these helicopters is adjusted to the needs on the ground,” he remarked.

The aircraft operate across six priority provinces: Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan.

In Sumatra, Riau Province deployed one patrol helicopter, one OMC aircraft, and five water-bombing helicopters, while Jambi Province received one patrol helicopter, one OMC aircraft, and two water-bombing helicopters.

South Sumatra Province received the region’s largest air support fleet, comprising one patrol helicopter, one OMC aircraft, and seven water-bombing helicopters.

In Kalimantan, South Kalimantan Province received one patrol helicopter, one OMC aircraft, and three water-bombing helicopters, while Central Kalimantan Province stands by with one patrol helicopter, one OMC aircraft, and four water-bombing helicopters.

West Kalimantan Province reinforced field operations with two patrol helicopters, one OMC aircraft, and five water-bombing helicopters.

Panjaitan stressed that joint ground teams remain vital to firefighting efforts, comprising personnel from the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), the Forestry Ministry’s Manggala Agni unit, local fire departments, the military, police, and volunteers.

He noted that the effectiveness of aerial operations depends heavily on rain cloud availability and adequate water supplies.

“For weather modification operations, we are collaborating with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to monitor potential rain cloud growth,” he said.

Consequently, BNPB urges regional leaders across the six provinces to enhance early detection and ensure ground firefighting readiness in their respective areas.

“People must refrain from burning land in fire-prone areas. Anyone who spots a fire should immediately report it to local authorities for swift action,” Panjaitan added.