Indonesia Deploys Helicopters to Combat Escalating Jambi Forest Fires
Indonesia is bolstering its firefighting capabilities in Jambi Province with the deployment of five helicopters to assist in battling widespread forest and land fires. The move comes as authorities struggle to contain blazes, particularly in vulnerable peatland areas, and investigate potential causes, including suspected arson.
A senior official stated on Sunday that the helicopters, provided by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) Headquarters, are now strategically positioned to support the Karhutla (Forest and Land Fire) Task Force. Two of the aircraft are equipped for water-bombing operations, while the remaining three will focus on aerial patrols and monitoring to pinpoint emerging fire hotspots inaccessible by ground crews.
Aerial Support Arrives in Jambi
The five helicopters are currently stationed at Sultan Thaha Airport in Jambi, ready for immediate deployment. According to reports, one helicopter from Polri Headquarters is still en route to join the operation. The primary objective of the aerial units is to conduct comprehensive patrols and monitor the region to identify and map fire hotspots that pose a significant challenge to reach via traditional ground-based methods.
Currently, the situation is particularly critical in the peatland area of Gambut Jaya Village, Sungai Gelam Sub-district, Muaro Jambi District, where approximately 250 hectares of land have already been consumed by fire.
Multi-Agency Response Underway
Firefighting efforts are being spearheaded by a collaborative Karhutla Task Force, drawing resources from a diverse range of organizations. These include Manggala Agni, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Fire Awareness Community (MPA), and local community volunteers.
The Jambi Regional Police are actively investigating the origin of the fires. Jambi Regional Police Chief Inspector General Krisno H Siregar inspected the situation in Gambut Jaya Village on Saturday, July 26, and confirmed the ongoing investigation. Authorities previously identified and named two suspects in connection with the burning of a Production Forest (HP) area in Peninjauan Village, Muaro Sebo Sub-district, Batanghari District, signaling a commitment to holding those responsible accountable.
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The escalating situation underscores the ongoing challenges Indonesia faces in preventing and managing forest and land fires, which often contribute to hazardous air quality and significant environmental damage.
