JAMBI | INDATANEWS.COM - A total of 142 personnel from various institutions are continuing efforts to combat forest and land fires in the Hutan Lindung Gambut Londerang peatland protected forest area in Jambi. As of September 17, 2026, the joint response teams had intensified firefighting and wetting operations by deploying various resources, including heavy equipment, firefighting pumps, drones, operational vehicles and a helicopter for water-bombing operations.
Firefighting efforts in the Hutan Lindung Gambut Londerang peatland protected area require close coordination because the characteristics of peat soil present additional challenges for response teams. For this reason, the joint personnel are focusing not only on active fire spots but also on wetting operations and water-source management to prevent hot spots from re-emerging in areas that have already been treated.
PT Wirakarya Sakti, or PT WKS, a company under the APP Group, is among the parties supporting the operation. The company has deployed personnel and various types of equipment to strengthen forest and land fire response efforts both on the ground and from the air.
The fire in the Hutan Lindung Gambut Londerang area was first detected on August 27, 2026. The joint response teams subsequently carried out firefighting operations for six days before the fire was reported to have been fully brought under control or extinguished on September 2, 2026.
However, another fire broke out in a different part of the Hutan Lindung Gambut Londerang area in mid-September 2026. The joint response teams then resumed operations. Alongside direct firefighting, they also carried out wetting operations to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Joint Efforts Strengthen Fire Response
The 142 personnel involved in firefighting operations as of September 17, 2026, came from several organizations and response groups. They included the PT WKS firefighting team, Manggala Agni, the regional disaster management agency, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the Water Management Team, heavy-equipment operators, drivers and other personnel supporting operations in the field.
Taufik Qurochman, head of public relations at
PT WKS, said cooperation among various parties is essential when dealing with fires in peatland areas. He explained that the characteristics of the terrain require sufficient resources as well as continuous coordination among the teams involved.
"Managing forest and land fires in HLG Londerang is a joint effort. Various parties are working together in firefighting, wetting operations, water-source management and area monitoring. PT WKS is supporting these efforts by deploying personnel as well as the facilities and equipment needed in the field," Taufik said.
The involvement of various response teams allows personnel to adjust their strategies according to developments on the ground. Each unit carries out its respective responsibilities, ranging from firefighting, water management and equipment operation to area monitoring and the mobilization of personnel and supplies.
This collaboration is also aimed at preventing conditions that could cause the affected area to expand. Response teams continue to monitor the area to track developments at fire locations and assess ground conditions following firefighting operations.
COOPERATION IN FIREFIGHTING OPERATIONS:
PT WKS Head of Public Relations Taufik Qurochman explains the importance of cooperation among various response teams in tackling forest and land fires in the Hutan Lindung Gambut Londerang area. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
12 Heavy Machines and 24 Pumps Deployed
To strengthen operations in the field,
PT WKS deployed a total of 12 heavy machines. The equipment is being used to support the construction and reinforcement of firebreaks, as well as the cleaning of canals connected to area management and water sources.
The Water Management Team is also responsible for regulating water sources to meet the needs of firefighting and wetting operations. This is an important part of the response because water availability determines how long personnel can maintain operations at various locations.
In addition to the heavy equipment,
PT WKS provided 24 firefighting pumps of various types. The operation also involves nine four-wheel operational vehicles and 15 motorcycles to support personnel mobility and the distribution of equipment throughout the affected area.
Around 120 Sambunesia sets are available for wetting operations to cool peatland areas. Hundreds of rolls of firefighting hoses are also being used to distribute water to areas requiring treatment.
For aerial monitoring, the team is operating two drones. The devices provide additional information on ground conditions and help response teams adjust their operations based on the latest developments in the field.
PT WKS has also provided a helicopter for water-bombing operations to strengthen aerial firefighting efforts. The aerial support complements ground operations, particularly when terrain conditions and access to fire locations affect operational planning.
Taufik said the response teams are combining ground and aerial operations while considering various factors. Before determining the appropriate course of action, personnel assess wind direction, terrain conditions, access to operational locations and the availability of water sources.
"The characteristics of peatland require intensive and coordinated handling. Therefore, ground operations, water-source management, the use of heavy equipment, aerial monitoring and water-bombing operations are being carried out in an integrated manner and continuously adjusted to actual conditions in the field," Taufik explained.
HEAVY MACHINERY AND WATER-BOMBING HELICOPTER DEPLOYED:
PT WKS has provided personnel and various operational resources, including heavy machinery, firefighting pumps, drones and a helicopter for water-bombing operations to support firefighting efforts. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Personnel Safety Remains a Priority
Alongside efforts to make firefighting operations as effective as possible, the joint response teams are also prioritizing the safety of all personnel deployed in the Hutan Lindung Gambut Londerang area. Terrain conditions, weather, wind direction and the specific characteristics of peatland are taken into account when planning operations.
Coordination among the various teams is carried out continuously to ensure that all personnel understand their respective responsibilities and that available resources are deployed according to operational needs. This coordination also helps ensure that existing equipment is used as efficiently as possible as fire conditions change.
Forest and land fire response operations do not end once visible fire spots have been extinguished. Personnel also conduct wetting operations to cool peatland areas and reduce the risk of new hot spots emerging. Monitoring of the area continues as part of the overall response.
According to Taufik, all participating teams share the same objective: to tackle the fire while maintaining the safety of personnel throughout the operation.
"Our shared priority is to handle the fire as effectively as possible while ensuring the safety of all personnel. Cooperation among all parties is essential so that every available resource can be used optimally in accordance with developments in field conditions," Taufik said in closing.
The forest and land fire response measures carried out through September 17, 2026, in the Hutan Lindung Gambut Londerang area demonstrate that containing peatland fires requires a combination of adequate personnel, technical equipment, water management, monitoring and coordination among different response teams. Ground operations and aerial support will continue to be adjusted according to the latest conditions in the affected area. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Dalil Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala