Press Releases Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Readiness for the Dry Season in Sarolangun

Sarolangun, Jambi, 17 April 2026 – As the transition towards the dry season begins, the risk of forest and land fires is increasing, particularly as rainfall declines and land conditions become drier and more susceptible to burning. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has also forecast that this year’s dry season may arrive earlier and last longer in several parts of Indonesia.

In response, PT Kresna Duta Agroindo (KDA), a subsidiary of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, organised a land fire prevention training and awareness session at Plakar Estate. The activity was attended by around 45 participants, including representatives from subdistrict government, security forces, as well as village and community representatives. Also in attendance were members of the Subdistrict Leadership Forum (Muspika), the Sarolangun Regency Office of Food Crops, Horticulture and Plantation, Manggala Agni, along with community leaders and local youth organisations.

Participants not only received technical briefings but also took part in interactive discussions and hands-on introductions to fire prevention facilities and infrastructure. These included patrol systems, early detection measures, and demonstrations of firefighting equipment as part of field preparedness.

As part of strengthening its early detection system, PT Kresna Duta Agroindo also utilises AI-enabled CCTV technology integrated with sirens and rotating lights. This system allows potential fire incidents to be detected more quickly in real time, enabling faster response on the ground.

The Head of the Sarolangun Regency Office of Food Crops, Horticulture and Plantation (TPHP), Dulmuin, described the initiative as a strategic step in building collective preparedness for the upcoming dry season. “This is a very positive activity. While rainfall is still present, we are already preparing. It is about being ready in advance, so that when extreme heat occurs, all parties are equipped to respond,” he said.

Meanwhile, a representative from Manggala Agni Sumatra XIII/Sarolangun, Harry, emphasised the importance of community education as the front line of fire prevention. “This activity is crucial in raising public awareness. Preventing fires is not the responsibility of a single party, but a shared effort,” he noted.

Community Security and Order Officer (Bhabinkamtibmas) of the Bathin VIII Police Sector, Aipda Muhammad Amin, expressed hope that this cross-sector collaboration will continue, not only to strengthen prevention efforts but also to minimise potential legal issues arising from land fires.

Beyond strengthening understanding, the activity also served as a platform to align the roles of various stakeholders. Government, security forces, companies, and communities each play complementary roles, ranging from education and monitoring to on-the-ground response.

Region Controller of PT Kresna Duta Agroindo, Defry Yosnedi, highlighted that preparedness must be built continuously. “Through this initiative, we aim to mitigate fire risks from the outset by strengthening resources, systems, and collaboration with stakeholders,” he explained.

He added that strengthened, collective preparedness will enable all parties to respond more quickly and in a coordinated manner to potential fires. Moving forward, this collaboration is expected to be further reinforced to help safeguard the area from fire risks and encourage active stakeholder participation in prevention efforts.