South Sumatra (The Indonesian News) – Indonesia’s efforts to tackle forest and land fires have been underway for months, with the government carrying out mitigation measures and firefighting operations well before the fires intensified.
Irwan Sandi, an officer with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Ogan Komering Ilir, South Sumatra, has witnessed these efforts firsthand. Alongside personnel from other agencies, he has been deployed to fight fires in Cengal Village, Ogan Komering Ilir, since June 2026.
As of mid-October, Irwan and other members of the joint task force were still working tirelessly to contain the fires. Wherever flames appeared, Irwan and his team were ready to respond.
His routine remained unchanged. Before heading into the field, he checked essential equipment at the Ogan Komering Ilir BPBD office to ensure he and his team were ready for the day’s operations.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) was the first priority. He then prepared the firefighting equipment to be taken to the field.
“For PPE, we start with helmets, masks and boots. After that, we prepare the equipment, organize the personnel and make sure everyone is ready. Once everything is in place, we head out,” Irwan said before beginning another firefighting operation.
Irwan has served with the Ogan Komering Ilir BPBD since 2018. During his time with the agency, he has worked through four major forest and land fire seasons.
“In 2018, 2021, 2023, and now again in 2026,” he said.
Irwan believes that ground-based firefighting operations, as directed by President Prabowo Subianto, have been effective, particularly in dealing with fires on peatlands, where flames may originate below the surface rather than above ground.
“On mineral soils, firefighting does not require as much effort. You just need to spray water and the fire goes out. Peatlands are different. They require special techniques to prevent fires from spreading into areas that have not yet burned,” Irwan said.
He added that aerial firefighting, including water bombing, was not sufficient to extinguish fires burning within peat soil.
As a husband and father, Irwan often has to leave his family at home for extended periods. Being away from his loved ones is one of the sacrifices he makes in carrying out his duties.
When he misses his family, he sometimes calls them. However, unpredictable field conditions and limited mobile phone reception often make communication difficult.
“Of course we stay in touch, but only when there is a signal. I am usually deep inside the forest,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Irwan tries to reassure his wife and children by keeping in touch whenever possible.
He also regularly asks his family to pray for his safety, good health and success in carrying out his duties.
“To my wife at home and my children, please pray that Dad stays healthy and safe while working,” he said.
Irwan’s full story as a frontline firefighter battling forest and land fires in South Sumatra can be watched on the Podcast Sinergi Indonesia program on the official YouTube channel of the Government Communications Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (Bakom RI).
Source: Press Release of the Government Communications Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (Bakom RI)
