Inp.polri.go.id - Palembang. South Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Sandi Nugroho instructed all police ranks in the province to strengthen prevention, mitigation, and response measures against forest and land fires  on Friday (21/8/2026).

The directive follows an evaluation meeting with the Indonesian National Police (INP) Deputy Chief Commissioner General Dedi Prasteyo amid prolonged dry conditions and the detection of 31 active hotspots, concentrated mainly in Musi Banyuasin and Ogan Komering Ilir Regencies.

"We cannot eliminate hotspots completely, but we can prevent and mitigate them," said Chief Sandi, urging officers to quickly verify satellite monitoring data from SiPongi and Lancang Kuning apps.

He ordered field officers to inspect water retention basins, canal blocks, and wells while coordinating with local joint task forces led by the Sriwijaya Military Commander. The police force also supported 43 Weather Modification Operation (OMC) flights and requested further aerial support from the INP Headquarters to manage drought-affected areas effectively.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)