Friday, 04 September 2026
JAMBI | INDATANEWS.COM - The Jambi Regional Police (Polda Jambi) is strengthening efforts to contain forest and land fires through the aerial component of the task force tasked with combating forest and land fires (Karhutla) in Jambi Province. On Friday, August 28, 2026, aerial patrols and firefighting operations using the water-bombing method were once again carried out to detect hotspots in several high-risk areas at an early stage and prevent the fires from spreading.
A Bell 505 helicopter bearing registration number PK-ELS was deployed for aerial surveillance. Several areas considered at high risk of Karhutla were flown over during the operation. The personnel detected a total of four hotspots in Sungai Gelam and Kumpeh in Muaro Jambi Regency, as well as in Muara Sabak Barat and Rantau Rasau in East Tanjung Jabung Regency.The personnel then coordinated further efforts to tackle the detected hotspots with teams on the ground. The joint task force also deployed water-bombing helicopters operated by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to extinguish the fires from the air.
During the operation, four helicopters carried out a total of 177 water-bombing drops. Approximately 576,000 liters of water were deployed to reach and extinguish several hotspots identified during the aerial patrols.The four detected hotspots were located in Sungai Gelam and Kumpeh in Muaro Jambi Regency, as well as Muara Sabak Barat and Rantau Rasau in East Tanjung Jabung Regency. After receiving the surveillance results, personnel immediately coordinated the necessary response with ground teams and relevant authorities.
The deployment of water-bombing helicopters is an important measure in tackling hotspots that require a rapid response. The four helicopters involved in the operation carried out a total of 177 aerial firefighting drops, using approximately 576,000 liters of water in total.The operation demonstrates that efforts to combat forest and land fires in Jambi Province are not solely dependent on firefighting operations on the ground. Personnel and disaster management authorities are also utilizing aerial support to respond more quickly to detected hotspots.
Weather modification is part of the strategy to combat forest and land fires. The operation is intended to help create weather conditions that support efforts to contain the fires. Polda Jambi is carrying out these measures in coordination with various agencies involved in combating Karhutla across Jambi Province.
Jambi Police Chief Inspector General Krisno H. Siregar, through Polda Jambi Public Relations Chief Police Commissioner Erlan Munaji, said the agency, together with several institutions, was continuing to strengthen efforts to combat forest and land fires through an integrated approach."Polda Jambi, together with the TNI, BNPB, BMKG, regional governments and all relevant agencies, continues to optimize aerial patrols, early detection, water bombing and weather modification operations," the Public Relations Chief said.
According to him, inter-agency cooperation is a key component in addressing the threat of forest and land fires. Aerial patrols, hotspot detection, water-bombing operations and support for weather modification operations are being carried out continuously to prevent the fires from spreading further.
Polda Jambi has also called on the public to actively participate in preventing forest and land fires. The Public Relations Chief urged residents to refrain from using fire when clearing and opening land.
The public is also encouraged to immediately report any indications of potential hotspots or signs of emerging forest and land fires to personnel in the field. Early reports can help response teams tackle fires before they spread and cause more extensive damage.These preventive measures are becoming increasingly important, as combating forest and land fires requires the involvement of all parties. Authorities and the government can conduct patrols and firefighting operations, but public participation remains a crucial factor in preventing new hotspots from emerging.
Through intensified aerial patrols, rapid water-bombing operations, support for weather modification operations, and coordination with the TNI, BNPB, BMKG and regional governments, Polda Jambi continues its efforts to protect Jambi Province from the threat of forest and land fires. The measures are also part of ongoing efforts to respond more quickly to every detected hotspot and prevent fires from spreading further. (IDNC)REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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