Marlinton Purba: Prevention and Firefighting Must Be Carried Out Continuously

Indonesian Palm Oil News (IPO News), Pelalawan, Riau — PT Musim Mas has strengthened its efforts to prevent and respond to forest and land fires, locally known as Karhutla, in Pelalawan, Riau. The company’s efforts are not limited to responding when fires occur, but also include personnel preparedness, firefighting equipment, patrols, water sources, community education, and collaboration with government authorities and field teams.

These measures are particularly important because Pelalawan contains peatland areas and faces a significant risk of forest and land fires during the dry season. The Pelalawan Regency Government previously declared a Karhutla Emergency Response status from August 24 to September 6, 2026. Data from the Riau Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD Riau), which formed part of the basis for the declaration, recorded 2,358 hotspots and 66 fire spots from January 1 to August 24, 2026, with approximately 1,717.76 hectares of burned land in Pelalawan.

Prevention Starts Early

PT Musim Mas Public Relations Manager Marlinton Purba, S.H., emphasized that Karhutla prevention cannot be carried out only after the dry season has arrived. According to Marlinton, Pelalawan’s geographical conditions make the area vulnerable to forest and land fires. Therefore, prevention and firefighting efforts need to be carried out continuously.

“Prevention and firefighting must be carried out continuously, including early prevention efforts well before the dry season begins,” Marlinton said. The approach includes personnel training, area patrols, firefighting equipment, water source preparation, community education, and stronger coordination with various stakeholders.

Musim Mas has also participated in collaborative activities with government authorities and security forces, including Karhutla patrols and Green Policing activities with the Pelalawan Police, involving the company’s Community Fire Awareness teams.

18 Personnel Deployed to Peatland Area

The company’s commitment has also been demonstrated through direct action in the field, After deploying firefighting personnel to support Karhutla response efforts in Kerumutan District from August 24–31, 2026, the Musim Mas team subsequently moved to Rantau Baru Village, Pangkalan Kerinci District. The team participated in firefighting and cooling operations from August 31 to September 10, 2026.

In Rantau Baru, Musim Mas deployed 18 personnel to work alongside a joint team comprising the Indonesian Military (TNI), National Police (Polri), BPBD and other field personnel.

Marlinton Purba also visited the location on September 10, 2026, to provide support to the company’s team. He highlighted that peatland areas require special attention because fire and embers can remain beneath the surface and potentially re-emerge if cooling operations are not carried out properly.

“Keep up the spirit in supporting firefighting and cooling operations together with the TNI, Polri, BPBD and all teams in the field,” Marlinton told the personnel.

Supported by Firefighting Equipment

To support the 18 personnel, Musim Mas prepared a double-cabin vehicle and a range of firefighting equipment. The equipment included four mini tracker machines, three 30 HP engines, 2 and 3 inch suction hoses, discharge hoses of various sizes, nozzles, mini tracker suction equipment, four handheld radios, two manual beaters, two peatland injection tools, and six sets of firefighter protective clothing.

Such equipment is important because firefighting in peatland areas requires not only adequate personnel but also appropriate equipment capable of operating in challenging field conditions.

Collaboration Remains Essential

According to data monitored by Indonesian Palm Oil News (IPO NEWS), Musim Mas’ efforts demonstrate that Karhutla management in plantation areas and other high-risk locations cannot depend solely on firefighting after a fire has started.

Early prevention, team preparedness, water availability, patrols, community education and cross sector collaboration are all important components in reducing fire risks.

For the palm oil industry, this approach also has strategic significance. Preventing forest and land fires is not only related to environmental and community protection, but also to maintaining sustainable plantation operations and reducing the risk of operational disruptions caused by fires.

Through the deployment of teams from Kerumutan to Rantau Baru, Musim Mas has demonstrated direct involvement in supporting Karhutla response efforts in Pelalawan. The initiative also highlights the importance of preparedness and cooperation among companies, government authorities, security forces and local communities in addressing forest and land fire risks, particularly in peatland areas.

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