Govt's Quick Response to Control the Fire in Mount Rinjani Conservation Area

RRI.CO.ID, East Lombok - The Ministry of Forestry, thru the Forest Fire Control Center for the Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara regions, in collaboration with the Mount Rinjani National Park Center (BTNGR) and a joint team, successfully controlled the fire in the Mount Rinjani National Park area. A fire covering approximately 30 hectares in Sembalun District, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, was successfully controlled on Saturday, August 8, 2026, after efforts were made starting from August 7, 2026.

The fire occurred in a conservation area dominated by savanna and dry shrubland cover. After receiving information about the fire, the Jabalnusra Dalkarhut Office, Region III Mataram Section, immediately deployed personnel and firefighting equipment to strengthen the efforts of the joint team on the ground.

The Head of the Jabalnusra Forest Fire Control Center, Bambang Setyo Antoko, stated that the speed of response and cross-party collaboration are key in preventing the fire from spreading further.

After the main fire was successfully extinguished, the officers continued to sweep and cool down or mop-up until 01:30 WITA to ensure there were no embers or sources of fire that could trigger a fire again.

"Every fire incident in conservation areas must be responded to as early as possible. The speed of Manggala Agni along with area managers and all field elements in extinguishing fires is the key to early forest fire prevention. This collaboration must continue to be strengthened, because the success of fire control is a shared responsibility," Bambang said in a written statement, Sunday, August 9, 2026.

The firefighting operation involves Manggala Agni, area managers, the military (TNI), the police (Polri), the Fire Care Community/Forest Police Partner Community (MPA/MMP), the public, and other related elements. The Ministry of Forestry also ensures that follow-up monitoring is conducted to anticipate the re-emergence of fire hotspots, especially in the midst of dry conditions and easily flammable savanna vegetation.

The Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, reminded all ranks and the public to increase vigilance against the potential for forest and land fires. The public is urged to immediately report the appearance of smoke or signs of fire within or around forest areas so that it can be addressed as early as possible.

"Don't wait for the fire to grow. Utilize our early warning system thru the monitoring of Sipongi+ hotspots and other technologies, conduct early detection, and take action as soon as possible. Every effort in early prevention and mitigation is an important step to keep the forest sustainable," Raja Juli massage.