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Land and plantation fires pose a serious threat to the environment, economy, and public health. In response, PT Waru Kaltim Plantation (WKP), an oil palm subsidiary of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AALI) in East Kalimantan, collaborated with the Agriculture Office of the Plantation Division in Penajam Paser Utara Regency (PPU) to conduct Monitoring and Evaluation (Monev) of Plantation Land Fire Control Facilities and Infrastructure (Dalkarlabun). This initiative aims to ensure readiness for potential fires.
“As a company that upholds the principle of sustainability, PT WKP consistently maintains and improves its facilities and infrastructure. We have an emergency response system that includes three core squads comprising 45 personnel, 55 supporting squads totaling 829 personnel, and four relief squads from the Fire Care Farmer Group (KTPA) that we oversee,” said Eko Andrianto, PT Administrator, on Thursday (21/11/2024).
According to Eko, this preparedness includes reservoirs, monitoring towers, and fire-fighting equipment, all of which are routinely inspected to ensure optimal functionality. These actions reflect PT WKP’s adherence to Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 5/2018 concerning land clearing or processing without burning.
Through the Monitoring and Evaluation of Facilities and Infrastructure conducted at PT WKP, the company identifies any shortcomings in the fire control system that need immediate correction to enhance effectiveness. This initiative also strengthens collaboration between local governments, companies, and surrounding communities for fire prevention and suppression. The monitoring process begins with assessments of the reservoirs, monitoring towers, and TKTD infrastructure.
Alwi, a member of the Karlabun Brigade of PPU Regency, commented that the Karlabun Sarpras Monitoring and Evaluation activity is routinely carried out for all oil palm plantation companies in PPU Regency. This ensures that companies comply with existing regulations and that plantation fire control systems are adequately prepared.
“Based on the Administrative and Physical/Field Monitoring and Evaluation results, PT WKP’s Plantation Fire Control Facilities and Infrastructure are compliant with applicable rules and regulations,” Alwi stated.
He also emphasized that efforts to control land fires are not solely the company’s responsibility; they involve collaboration among all stakeholders to secure a sustainable future.
This commitment to fire control is not new for PT WKP, as all AALI subsidiaries prioritize the safety of plantations and concessions by implementing an effective Fire Management System across all operations. Astra Agro’s commitment is further reinforced in its Sustainability Policy through its Sustainability Aspirations.
Astra Agro’s Sustainability Aspirations align with the Astra Sustainability Framework and aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The company has set targets to be met by 2030, guided by the 3-P roadmap: Portfolio, People, and Public Contribution, which includes a firm commitment to land fire prevention as part of the portfolio roadmap, demonstrating Astra Agro’s dedication to operational excellence.
Source: Viva Borneo
