Jambi (ANTARA) – Jambi’s forest and land fire task force will deploy heavy equipment to open access to fire-hit areas inside Berbak National Park in East Tanjung Jabung District, Governor Al Haris said here Tuesday.
“At today’s meeting, we asked the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs and the Forestry Minister to allow access for heavy equipment. This is a disaster, so it is permitted,” Al Haris said.
After obtaining permission from the Forestry Ministry on Tuesday, the fire task force began moving heavy equipment toward fire hotspots in Berbak National Park’s core zone, Al Haris said.
The move was deemed urgent as fires have worsened and access must be opened to help contain their spread, he said.
With limited land access, firefighting in the conservation area has relied on water bombing, but aerial operations alone have not been effective enough, he said.
Firefighting efforts are currently focused on containing fires moving from South Sumatra province to prevent them from spreading further into Jambi, he said.
Al Haris said all personnel deployed to the area remained in good condition. The central and local governments have provided presidential aid for logistics, medical needs and operational equipment.
“Personnel remain highly motivated, and logistics, food and medical teams are fully available. The team has been prepared to enter the site as soon as permission and access are secured,” he said.
Berbak and Sembilang National Park Chief Yunaidi said firefighting inside the park had been hampered by poor access, making it difficult for personnel to reach fire locations.
“I just monitored the situation in Labuhan Pering. Personnel cannot enter. There are only two access routes, the nearest 15 kilometers inland, and the river is dry,” he said.
Of three mapped entry points, only two can be reached. The first is through Labuhan Pering and Sungai Benuh Villages in Sadu Subdistrict, East Tanjung Jabung District, about 15 to 20 kilometers away.
The second option, ground firefighting through Kumpeh in Muaro Jambi District, cannot be used because the terrain is unsuitable, he said.
The most feasible route to the fire hotspots is by natural river from downstream to upstream, followed by a land route inside Berbak National Park, he said.
He said winds blowing from north to south, from South Sumatra toward Jambi, had worsened the situation.
As a result, forest areas in Berbak National Park have also begun burning as fires spread from the Sembilang National Park side, he said.
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Translator: Agus S, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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