BNPB Boosts Helicopters, Continues OMC for Riau Fires
Riau Intensifies Firefighting Efforts Amidst Widespread Land and Forest Fires
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JAKARTA - Authorities in Riau are escalating their response too a severe outbreak of land and forest fires, with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) deploying additional resources and reinforcing ground operations. as of July 20, 2025, the fires have impacted 12 districts and cities across the province, necessitating an integrated and prompt on-the-ground response.
Escalating Crisis in Riau’s Districts
The fires are especially devastating in Kampar and Bengkalis districts, where over 100 hectares of land have been consumed by flames. Rokan Hilir, siak, and Indragiri Hilir districts are also severely affected, each reporting more than 50 hectares of burned land. This widespread destruction underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for robust intervention.
Enhanced Aerial Support and Water Bombing
In a significant move to combat the escalating fires, the agency is doubling its patrol helicopters from one to two and increasing the number of water bombing helicopters to five. This strategic enhancement of aerial capabilities is a direct response to the increasingly widespread development of fire hotspots, particularly in vulnerable peatlands and open areas.
“We are adding patrol helicopters and water bombing operations on Wednesday,” confirmed BNPB Head Lieutenant General suharyanto. This bolstered aerial support is crucial for early detection, monitoring, and direct suppression of the fires.
Integrated Response and ground Operations
The third phase of the Operational Management Control (OMC) commenced on Monday, july 21, and is slated to continue for five days. This phase focuses on coordinated efforts to manage and extinguish the fires. Preliminary reports indicate light rainfall in several affected areas, including Indragiri Hilir, Kuala Kampar, Siak, Batang cenaku, and Bangkinang.
“The rainfall is still minimal as it depends on cloud growth. Though, we hope this will help moisten the land and prevent the fire from spreading,” Suharyanto stated, expressing cautious optimism about the impact of the precipitation.
Equipment and Personnel Deployment
The BNPB is actively distributing additional firefighting equipment to ground troops. This includes essential supplies such as water pumps,portable water tanks,breathing apparatus,specialized forest and land fire motorcycles,and personal protective equipment (PPE). This provision aims to equip the frontline responders with the necessary tools to effectively tackle the blazes.
Support for firefighting efforts is being bolstered by personnel from the 031/Wira Bima Military Command (Korem) and the Riau Regional Police. They are working in conjunction with personnel from the Ministry of Forestry’s manggala Agni, a specialized fire management unit, to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
Law Enforcement and Accountability
In parallel with suppression efforts, authorities are emphasizing strict law enforcement against those responsible for deliberately starting fires. Suharyanto revealed that 16 individuals have already been named suspects in riau’s forest and land fire cases (karhutla).
“Forest and land fire control is not merely about extinguishing fires. Any indication of purposeful burning must be prosecuted according to applicable law,” he emphasized. This commitment to accountability aims to deter future instances of arson and reinforce the seriousness of environmental protection.
The ongoing efforts highlight a multi-faceted approach to managing the crisis, combining enhanced operational capacity with a firm stance on legal repercussions for perpetrators.
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