PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA — PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV (PTPN IV) PalmCo has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government-led efforts in forest and land fire (karhutla) prevention, particularly in high-risk areas with a history of frequent fires.
“Our deployment of firefighting teams and equipment reflects a tangible contribution to the national agenda on wildfire control. Safeguarding the environment and local communities remains our top priority,” said Jatmiko Santosa, President Director of PTPN IV PalmCo, in an official statement on Friday (25/7).
As part of this initiative, PalmCo dispatched trained firefighting personnel and complete equipment to vulnerable areas within its operational zones in Riau on Thursday (24/7). The task force, drawn from the Tanjung Medan and Tanah Putih estate units, was equipped with water pumps, wire rams, and fire trucks.
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Beyond field deployment, PalmCo also leverages advanced early warning technologies. The company utilizes the Artificial Intelligence Fire Monitoring Integrated Ground Checking Nusantara (ARFINA) system, a digital platform capable of real-time hotspot detection across its entire operational area.
“We aim to detect and contain fires before they escalate. This technology, combined with the readiness of our ground teams, enables us to act swiftly to prevent harm to the environment and surrounding communities,” Jatmiko added.
To bolster preparedness, PalmCo has also built a number of water reservoirs in strategic locations to serve as emergency water supplies for firefighting. Jatmiko emphasized that investing in prevention infrastructure is far more effective than dealing with the aftermath of large-scale fires.
“With the resources and infrastructure we have in place, PTPN IV PalmCo is determined to lead by example in environmental protection,” he asserted.
PalmCo’s proactive efforts drew praise from Minister of Environment and Forestry, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, who attended the deployment ceremony of the joint fire response task force at the Pertamina Hulu Rokan field in Pekanbaru on Thursday (24/7).
“We deeply appreciate PTPN’s initiative in mobilizing its teams. This reflects a strong sense of collective responsibility that should be emulated by other companies,” said Hanif.
He emphasized that fire control is not solely the responsibility of local governments, but a shared duty that requires cross-sector collaboration — including strong participation from the private sector.
“Effective fire mitigation cannot be achieved through a siloed approach. Collaboration is key, and businesses must be part of the solution,” he stressed.
During the same visit, Minister Hanif also outlined the government’s strategic measures to combat the growing risk of wildfires, including the deployment of weather modification technology (TMC) in collaboration with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and intensified legal enforcement against arson.
“If any party is found deliberately setting fires, strict legal action will follow. There will be no compromise,” he said.
This year’s extreme weather in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan has heightened the risk of forest fires. Drawing from the devastating haze events between 2015 and 2019, the government stressed the need for early vigilance and preparedness.
The active involvement of corporate entities like PalmCo in fire mitigation is considered a strategic move in strengthening resilience in fire-prone areas. With the synergy of advanced technology and cross-sector cooperation, Indonesia aims to avoid future environmental disasters. (P3)
