President Prabowo Deploys Water-bombing Operations, Freefall Skydiver to Tackle Forest, Land Fires
President Prabowo Subianto ensured that the deployment of water-bombing operations and the Rapid Disaster Response Force (PRCPB), which includes freefall skydivers, has significantly assisted the efforts to tackle forest and land fires (karhutla) in Riau province.
“I have requested that those [hotspots to be given special attention]. Is that done? Please expedite the process. [Regarding] the drilled wells, I [believe] that we have started anticipating this. How about our PPE, is it sufficient? Could all deployed personnel who are closest to the fire zones or hot spots wear it? How about the freefall skydivers’ PPE? They also wear it, right? Please make sure they wear it. And how about their equipment? Is everything good? Okay, good job,” President Prabowo stated while chairing a limited meeting on forest fire management at Forward Command Post for Forest and Land Fire Management in Riau province on Monday (08/24).
In his report, the Commander of the XIX/Tuanku Tambusai Military Regional Command Major General Agus Hadi Waluyo, noted that five water-bombing helicopters have been deployed to support forest fire management in Riau province. According to him, the implemented strategy focused not only on forest fire management but also on the prevention of the spread of the fires.
“To date, the most effective operation we have carried out is the Weather Modification Operation. The soil moisture levels in Riau this year are different from last year. Therefore, we soak the ground so there is sufficient moisture in the soil. Furthermore, for suppression efforts in areas unreachable by ground forces, we deploy water-bombing helicopters to cut off fire paths and prevent the blaze from jumping or spreading to other targets,” Agus explained.
Agus further detailed that the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) have formed the Rapid Disaster Response Force (PRCPB). This team is supported by top freefall skydivers who are prepared for direct, on-the-spot firefighting in hard-to-reach locations.
“We have prepared our best freefall skydivers to execute [precision] jumps into designated areas to directly extinguish fires on the spot,” Agus added.
On that occasion, President Prabowo expressed his appreciation for the initiative while ensuring that all personnel deployed to hotspots and fire zones are equipped with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition to freefall capabilities, the forces also need to master rappelling, fast roping, paramotor methods, and drone support to facilitate the monitoring and management of forest and land fires.
“I believe this is a first in our history. Excellent work. Freefall skydivers should not just be used for ceremonial events; we are now utilizing them to assist the public. Well done. Good job,” the Head of State remarked.
In addition to aerial firefighting, [local authorities] in Riau province are constructing firebreaks and canal blocks as part of the containment strategy. These barriers are designed to cut off fire paths and prevent small fires from escalating into larger blazes.
“Bapak President, this method has proven effective enough. We are widening [these barriers] because during the peatland cooling phase, [embers] can be carried by the wind and cause re-ignition. Therefore, our current strategy to cut off fire paths and prevent them from expanding is by utilizing firebreaks, containers, water barriers, and canal blocks,” Agus concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (NST/LW)
