Ground Crews Battle Four Riau Wildfires Without Helis

RRI.CO.ID, Pekanbaru - Riau Province's emergency responders are facing a grueling test of endurance as they fight to contain four active forest and land fires solely through ground operations.

Critical aerial water bombing support is currently still in the preparation phase. As a result, joint teams are relying on manual suppression and cooling efforts to prevent the blazes from jumping containment lines across two major regencies.

The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) confirmed on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, that the firefighting efforts are concentrated in Indragiri Hilir and Bengkalis. Head of Emergency Services at the Riau BPBD, Jim Ghafur, noted that while the situation is being monitored closely, the lack of air support has placed the full burden on personnel trekking into the affected areas.

“The hotspots currently being handled are in four locations. Three points are in Indragiri Hilir Regency and one point is in Bengkalis Regency,” remarked Jim Ghafur in Pekanbaru, as quoted by Antara.

The specific fire zones include Tanjung Pidada, Simpang Gaung, and Tagagiri Tama Jaya in Indragiri Hilir, alongside a single persistent blaze in Sukarjo Mesim, Bengkalis. A massive coalition, comprising the Indonesian Military, National Police, Fire Fighters Manggala Agni, BPBD, and local Fire Care Communities (MPA), is working around the clock to saturate the smoldering land.

“Officers in the field are still carrying out extinguishing efforts, as well as cooling at the locations. The entire joint team continues to work to control the fire so that it does not spread,” remarked Jim Ghafur.

The tactical challenge remains high as the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has yet to deploy water bombing helicopters to the province. Until the aircraft arrive, the strategy remains a labor-intensive ground war against the elements to protect Riau Province's remaining forest cover.

“For now, the extinguishing is still being done via land routes. The water bombing helicopter assistance from the BNPB has not yet arrived in Riau,” confirmed Jim Ghafur. ***