Friday, 23 October 2026
ACEH TENGAH | INDATANEWS.COM - Police in Aceh Tengah have stepped up efforts to prevent forest and land fires through patrols and public awareness campaigns in several high-risk areas. The activities took place on Thursday, 15 October 2026, involving officers from local police stations and members of the community. The initiative aims to prevent fires that damage the environment, pollute the air and threaten public health.
Officers inspected forests, agricultural land and plantations while speaking directly with residents, farmers and plantation workers about the dangers of burning vegetation to clear land. The campaign focuses on areas particularly vulnerable to fires, encouraging people to recognise potential hazards and take preventive action before flames spread.Aceh Tengah Police Chief AKBP Teguh Siswoyo, S.H., S.I.K., M.H., through Head of Public Relations AKP Rasimin, said officers would continue conducting regular patrols and educational activities in cooperation with local communities to identify potential fire outbreaks at an early stage.
"Preventing forest and land fires requires a shared sense of responsibility and the involvement of everyone. These fires not only destroy the environment but also produce smoke that pollutes the air and can disrupt public health and daily activities. We therefore urge everyone to work together to prevent land burning," AKP Rasimin said.The campaign highlights the wider consequences of land burning, which extend beyond clearing areas for agricultural or plantation purposes. Fires can destroy vegetation, disrupt ecological balance and release smoke that reduces air quality, potentially affecting residents' health and everyday activities.
Police are urging communities to prioritise environmental protection whenever clearing or preparing land. Residents are also encouraged to remind one another of the risks and avoid burning areas where flames could spread to neighbouring land.
Alongside patrols, police have called on residents to monitor conditions around their homes, farms and plantations. Anyone who spots a fire, suspicious smoke or activities that could trigger a forest or land fire should immediately notify the relevant authorities.
Early reporting enables emergency personnel to locate potential fire outbreaks and take appropriate action before the situation worsens. Community involvement is particularly important in areas with extensive forests, plantations and agricultural land, where timely information can help officers identify early warning signs.AKP Rasimin stressed that environmental protection was not solely the responsibility of the police. Every member of the community has a role to play through vigilance, monitoring and responsible behaviour.
"Under the principle of 'Police Working Together with the Community', we urge all residents to look out for one another, protect the environment and work together to prevent forest and land fires. Through close cooperation, we can protect forests and land, prevent smoke pollution and create a safe, healthy and sustainable environment," he said.
Aceh Tengah Police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining patrols, expanding public awareness activities and strengthening cooperation with local communities as part of a long-term strategy to prevent forest and land fires.
The initiative aims to improve public awareness of fire risks and encourage safer land-management practices. Residents are urged not to wait until a fire spreads before seeking help, but to report the first signs of a potential outbreak to the relevant authorities.Preventing forest and land fires requires collective action from police officers, farmers, plantation workers and residents in vulnerable areas. Through consistent patrols, ongoing education and prompt reporting, communities can help protect forests and land while preserving air quality for present and future generations. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
