Forest and land fires (karhutla) pose an ongoing ecological crisis rather than just an annual threat. These fires typically occur during the dry season, spreading across dry land and causing considerable harm to the environment, public health, and the sustainability of plantation businesses.
In response to this potential danger, PT Subur Abadi Plantations (SAP), a subsidiary of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AAL), has taken proactive steps. The company organized a Fire Emergency Response Training in Lung Melah Village, Telen District, East Kutai Regency, involving the Lung Melah Village Fire Care Farmer Group (KTPA) as a key partner in preserving the environment around the plantation area.
Lung Melah Village was selected for this initiative due to its proximity to plantation land, which has a high risk of fire, particularly during the dry season. PT SAP understands that effective prevention and control of forest and land fires relies not only on its internal preparedness but also on building strong partnerships with the community. As such, this training aims to enhance KTPA’s capacity for early detection, rapid response, and effective management of fire incidents. Additionally, this effort aligns with the company’s social and environmental responsibilities and demonstrates PT SAP’s commitment to supporting national programs for controlling forest and land fires.
Simon Peres, the Head of Lung Melah Village, attended the event and expressed gratitude for PT SAP’s initiative. “We, from the Lung Melah Village Government, appreciate PT Subur Abadi Plantations for organizing the Fire Emergency Response Training, which directly involves our community, particularly through KTPA. This activity is crucial given our area’s susceptibility to land fires, especially in the dry season,” he stated.
He also voiced hopes that this collaboration would extend beyond a single event, leading to further simulations, the provision of firefighting facilities and infrastructure, and the strengthening of community organizations.
The participants demonstrated enthusiasm throughout the training. Their engagement stemmed not only from the relevance of the material to their local conditions but also from their sense of being heard and actively involved in environmental protection efforts.
During the training, participants received essential technical knowledge and engaged in field simulations to prepare them for emergencies. “This training is a strategic step toward enhancing the community’s capacity, especially for KTPA members, in early detection, rapid response, and safe fire management,” said Eko Yulianto, the PIC for Fire at PT SAP. He hopes that through this training, all participants will gain a practical understanding of emergency response procedures and the importance of collaboration in preventing fires.
Astra Agro Lestari, through PT SAP, continues to strengthen its fire prevention management system via training, partnerships, and regular risk-based monitoring. This approach ensures that fire prevention and control efforts are effective, measurable, and integral to the company’s sustainable governance.
Source: Kaltim Post
Disclaimer
This article may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been pre-authorized by the copyright owner. This material is made available for the purpose of giving information and knowledge. The material contained on the Astra Agro website distributed without profit. If you are interested in using copyrighted material from this material for any reason that goes beyond ‘fair use’, you must first obtain permission from the original source
