inp.polri.go.id - East Java. The East Java Regional Police are strengthening forest and land fire prevention measures by intensifying patrols, mapping vulnerable areas, educating the public, and ensuring the readiness of personnel and equipment.
Furthermore, the East Java Regional Police ensures that law enforcement will continue if forest or land burning is found to constitute a criminal offense.
Head of Public Relations for the East Java Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Jules Abraham Abast, stated that prevention measures remain a priority. However, these efforts will go hand in hand with taking action against those found to have violated the law.
"We prioritize prevention through education, patrols, and collaboration. However, if the wildfire is found to constitute a criminal offense, the police will enforce the law professionally, firmly, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations," Jules said in Surabaya on Wednesday (9/2/2026).
Jules explained that the diverse characteristics of East Java require that prevention strategies be tailored to the conditions and vulnerability levels of each region.
Mapping and patrols are focused on forest areas, plantations, agricultural land, and open areas deemed to have the potential for fire.
"The most important thing is to prevent fires before they occur. Therefore, we urge the public not to clear or open land by burning," he said.
To strengthen prevention efforts at the grassroots level, the role of Bhabinkamtibmas (Community Police Officers) is being optimized. Police at the village and sub-district levels are being asked to actively educate the public, especially those living or operating near forests, plantations, and fire-prone areas.
The public is also being asked not to underestimate the risk of land burning. In hot, dry weather, fires can spread quickly and become difficult to control.
The East Java Regional Police are also increasing Enhanced Routine Activities (KRYD), conducting integrated patrols, and checking the readiness of personnel and infrastructure for fire prevention.
In addition, coordination is being strengthened with the East Java Provincial Government, district/city governments, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Forestry Service, the Environmental Service, the Indonesian National Military (TNI), Perum Perhutani, and forest and plantation area managers.
These steps are being taken to ensure that any information regarding potential fires can be promptly received and acted upon before they spread.
"We want to identify any potential fires as early as possible. If a hotspot is detected, it can be dealt with immediately to prevent it from escalating into a larger fire," said Jules.
The East Java Regional Police are encouraging the public to participate in forest and land fire prevention efforts. Public who see hotspots, smoke, or burning activities that could potentially cause a fire are asked to immediately report them to officers or local authorities.
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