Press Releases Early Dry Season Preparedness Strengthens Forest and Land Fire Prevention in West Bangka

West Bangka, Bangka, 17 April 2026 – Although the dry season has not fully arrived, precautionary measures are already being strengthened. PT Bumipermai Lestari, a subsidiary of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, together with relevant stakeholders, conducted a forest and land fire preparedness roll call at the Bukit Intan Estate field, Terentang Village, West Bangka Regency.

This initiative follows projections from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), which indicate that the 2026 dry season may arrive earlier, last longer, and be drier than usual. These conditions are among the key factors contributing to an increased risk of forest and land fires.

Approximately 120 participants from various institutions took part in the activity, including the Environmental Agency, the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), the West Bangka Regional Disaster Management Agency, as well as subdistrict and village representatives. Participants came from Kelapa, Simpang Teritip, and Jebus subdistricts, along with surrounding villages such as Berang, Ibul, Tumbak Petar, Jebus, and Ranggi Asam. All shared a common objective: to ensure early anticipation of fire risks.

Preparedness was reflected in the coordinated actions of all teams on the ground. Firefighting equipment was inspected, emergency response teams were mobilised, and cross-sector coordination was established from the outset. A shared commitment was also reinforced, underlining the seriousness of all parties in addressing potential fire risks.

This commitment was further demonstrated during a firefighting simulation, where emergency response teams acted swiftly to contain the fire, showcasing coordinated field response supported by available technology.

The Head of Kelapa Subdistrict, Resmayana, noted that this initiative sends a clear signal that prevention must begin early to minimise the risks of haze, disruption to daily activities, and economic losses. “We hope that fires affecting plantations, forests, and land in Kelapa Subdistrict in particular, and West Bangka more broadly, can be effectively managed,” he stated.

The Head of Berang Village, Beni Bastari, added that the activity also serves as a platform to strengthen the role of each stakeholder, including efforts to enhance community awareness. “We hope initiatives like this can continue and involve more stakeholders. We will also continue to encourage the community, particularly farmers, not to use fire for land clearing,” he explained.

Beyond technical preparedness, the activity also fosters collective awareness that preventing forest and land fires is a shared responsibility. Community education, team readiness, and cross-sector coordination remain essential foundations in facing the dry season.

“Strong preparation is key. We must not be complacent in anticipating the upcoming dry season. When all parties are prepared and move together, risks can be mitigated,” said Yandris Dima Kanatalo, Manager of PT Bumipermai Lestari.

Through this initiative, PT Bumipermai Lestari reaffirms its commitment to strengthening collaboration with stakeholders. With improved preparedness and stronger coordination, the company aims to safeguard the environment and ensure that community activities can continue without disruption.