Forest and land fire (karhutla) mitigation efforts in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, have entered a new phase with the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This early detection system is implemented to accelerate the firefighting response before wildfires spread during the dry season.
This cutting-edge technology was initiated by PT Agrolestari Mandiri, a subsidiary of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food. The company installed smart monitoring cameras (CCTV) capable of tracking smoke plumes and hotspots in real-time up to a radius of 17 kilometers. This AI-based system serves as an additional layer of defense, complementing the existing satellite-based hotspot monitoring.
This preventive measure was also consolidated through the Forest and Land Fire Prevention Alert Rally held in Ketapang. This event brought together around 250 representatives from government agencies, security forces, community leaders, and the private sector to align perspectives and strengthen cross-sector coordination.
In addition to agreeing on a joint commitment, this forum also socialized Ketapang Regency Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 1 of 2022 regarding land clearing rules using controlled burning based on local wisdom. The company's internal Emergency Response Preparedness (KTD) team also demonstrated fire handling simulations to test the readiness of fleets in the field.
The Chief Executive of BPBD Ketapang Regency, Yunifar Purwantoro, emphasized that forest and land fire management cannot rely on a single agency. According to him, active collaboration involving academics, the business world, government, and community elements is the main key to minimizing the risk of this annual disaster.
Echoing this sentiment, the Head of Operational Area (Daops) Manggala Agni Kalimantan X/Ketapang, Rudi Windra Darisman, stressed the crucial importance of rapid early information in extinguishing fires. Meanwhile, the Head of Nanga Tayap Sub-district, Sabran, added that the active involvement of residents not only strengthens defense barriers at the grass-roots level but also provides a sense of security for communities living around the forest.
Closing the preparedness series, the CEO of Perkebunan Sinar Mas (PSM) 7, Bonny Wijaya, stated that technological innovation must be balanced with collective awareness. By marrying the sophistication of artificial intelligence with the preparedness of personnel in the field, it is hoped that the threat of forest fires this year can be anticipated earlier and in a more measurable manner.
