inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian National Police (INP) strengthens the effort of preventing wildfire across the country.
This step was taken to anticipate the ongoing practice of land clearing by burning, which can impact the environment, public health, and social and economic activities.
This strengthening is outlined in the INP Chief's Telegram Letter Number ST/1895/VIII/OPS.1.2./2026 dated August 31, 2026, addressed to all Regional Police Chiefs.
Through this telegram, Regional Police Chiefs were instructed to take a number of strategic and integrated steps to prevent and mitigate forest and land fires in their respective regions.
The Head of Public Information of INP Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, stated that handling wildfires should not only be undertaken after a fire has occurred, but must begin with early prevention and preparedness measures.
"We are strengthening wildfire prevention and control efforts by prioritizing preparation, cross-sector synergy, and community involvement. Prevention is the primary step to minimize the potential for fires and prevent them from escalating into a larger disaster," Trunoyudo said.
In the telegram, the Regional Police were asked to establish regional policies prohibiting land clearing by burning, including imposing a moratorium on regulations that still allow for this practice.
Furthermore, coordination with local governments and relevant agencies such as the Environmental Agency (DLH), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Forestry Agency, the Indonesian National Military (TNI), plantation companies, and other relevant parties was strengthened to implement forest and land fire prevention and mitigation measures.
"Coordination and collaboration from all parties are essential. Local governments, the TNI, the business sector, and the community have a crucial role in preventing forest and land fires, especially in areas with high vulnerability," he said.
Preventive measures are also being implemented through the construction of reservoirs and canal blocks around company land, as well as preparing fire response volunteers who will be mentored and trained in forest and land fire control.
This strengthening is part of the police's commitment to ensuring integrated wildfire prevention and management, starting with personnel and infrastructure readiness, mapping and patrolling vulnerable areas, community engagement, and law enforcement against perpetrators of forest and land fires.
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