inp.polri.go.id - Yogyakarta. The Kulon Progo Sub-regional Police held a roll call in preparation to deal with forest and land fires during the dry season.
The roll call serves as a means to solidify coordination, communication, and cross-sector collaboration in facing the threat of wildfires.
With the increasing danger of the dry season, the police realized it has to come to their attention to prevent the risk of fire, particularly in the hill area and drylands.
Kulon Progo Deputy Regent Ambar Purwoko stated that the current climate requires preparedness from all parties. He believes that preventing forest and land fires requires the involvement of various stakeholders, not just acting only when fires occur.
"In conditions like these, we need to demonstrate our highest vigilance in anticipating forest and land fires. The role of all of you is crucial. The safety and well-being of the community is our shared responsibility," said Ambar Purwoko.
He also expressed his appreciation to all parties who have demonstrated readiness to address potential forest and land fires. He considered the roll call as crucial for preventing and expediting fire response when fires occur.
Kulon Progo Police Chief, Superintendent Ridho Hidayat, added that climate conditions require attention because they can have various impacts on the community and the environment.
"We are facing an El Niño that will likely persist until 2027 and will impact many things. With strong collaboration and communication from all of us, hopefully, we can anticipate all potential hazards together," he said.
Ridho emphasized that handling forest and land fires requires the involvement of all elements, including the Indonesian Military (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (INP), local governments, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), the Fire Department (Damkar), volunteers, and the community.
Therefore, he urged his personnel to continue improving coordination and communication and optimizing integrated patrols and early detection, especially in areas prone to fires, such as the Menoreh Hills and dryland areas.
In addition to personnel preparedness, Ridho emphasized the importance of educating the public to refrain from burning trash or clearing land by burning. He also urged firefighting facilities and infrastructure to be ready for use.
He also reminded that law enforcement will be carried out firmly and professionally against parties who intentionally or through gross negligence cause forest and land fires.
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