Natuna Regency Issues Circular to Combat Rising Forest Fires

RRI.CO.ID, Natuna – Amid a surge in forest and land fires along its border areas, the Natuna Regency Administration in Riau Islands Province has issued a circular urging heightened vigilance. This directive calls for coordinated action across all levels of the community to effectively prevent and tackle forest and land fires incidents.

The directive, confirmed by Natuna Regency Fire and Rescue Agency Head, Syawal, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, targets subdistrict heads, village heads, and local communities across the regency. It seeks to boost preparedness against fire risks, curb both intentional and accidental burnings, and limit environmental, social, and health impacts.

"The letter outlines the measures for the prevention and mitigation of forest and land fires," said Syawal, as quoted by Antara.

The measures are structured across levels, from subdistrict to community involvement. At the subdistrict level, the subdistrict head is tasked with coordinating prevention and response efforts while instructing village heads to monitor fire-prone zones.

Furthermore, they must optimize coordination forums with volunteers and residents and ensure all incidents are reported swiftly to relevant agencies.

The village heads are tasked with publicizing bans on land-clearing burns, mobilizing patrols, mapping vulnerable areas, and activating community fire-care groups.

"The public is strictly prohibited from clearing land by burning and must not discard cigarette butts or any objects that could spark fires in forest and land areas. Additionally, residents are expected to remain vigilant and actively participate in forest and land fire prevention activities," he added.

This proactive circular reflects Natuna's commitment to safeguarding its ecologically sensitive border regions through multi-level collaboration. ***