REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The handling of land and forest fires in Riau Province is far better than those in other provinces, such as South Sumatra and Central Kalimantan, a minister claimed.

"Improved handling of forest and land fires is inseparable from the serious joint efforts made by the regional government, Regional Disaster Mitigation Board, police, military, and the private sector," Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo affirmed on Sunday.

The minister had earlier observed the preparations and implementation of a Fire-Free Village Program of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau.

During the visit, the minister was accompanied by Riau Governor Arsyadjualiandi Rachman and other regional government officials.

The minister stated that the prevention of fires in the plantation and land areas of people should be done soon following the detection of hotspots as early handling will prevent them from spreading to other regions.

"The steps taken by RAPP to put out fires since the start of the detection should be commended. It should serve as an example for the handling of forest and land fires in various regions," Kumolo pointed out.

The implementation of the fire-free village program by RAPP should be continued. After all, the program has become a model for fire prevention in various other companies, the minister remarked.

Minister Kumolo said the program involved the community members around the company's concession areas where the local people cultivate land without burning thickets.

"We hope this program will continue to be implemented to create a fire-free Riau," the minister emphasized.

In the meantime, Riau Governor Arsyadjuliandi Rachman affirmed that all sides should continue to make efforts to handle forest and land fires in the province.

The governor also urged the regional governments of districts and municipalities, whose areas are prone to fires, to continue to tighten supervisory and anticipatory measures.

After all, the dry weather has reduced rainfall, thereby increasing the likelihood of forest fires.

The governor has also called on all companies in Riau to take active steps to manage and monitor concession areas to prevent fires.

"Companies must be on alert and be responsible for any fires," he remarked.

RAPP President Director Tony Wenas said his company has continued to seek the local people's assistance to prevent forest and land fires through the fire-free village program.

Wenas stated that the program had been implemented since 2014 and was found to be effective as it incorporated plans that involved the local people with high awareness on disasters.

"The success in reducing the spread of fires has reached 90 percent," he noted.

The fire-free village program will be adopted by economic ministries as a pilot project for the handling of forest and land fires in various regions.

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