Training on Forest and Land Fire Prevention and Control for Community Fire Awareness Groups (MPA) in Kalahien, Pararapak, Murung Paken, and Madara

All participants and trainers of the session

On May 6, 2024, a training and educational session on Forest and Land Fire Prevention and Control (Karhutla) was held for Community Fire Awareness Groups (MPA/Masyarakat Peduli Api) in four villages: Kalahien, Pararapak, Murung Paken, and Madara, located in the Dusun Selatan District of Barito Selatan Regency. The event took place at the Badminton Hall in Kalahien Village and featured speakers Bapak Nursalim A.KS, Head of Food Crop and Horticulture at the Barito Selatan Food Security, Agriculture, and Fisheries Office (DKP3 Barsel), and Bapak Kristobey A.P, a representative from the Fire Control Division of Manggala Agni Kalimantan IV/Muara Teweh.

Presentation on Land Clearing Without Burning by Bpk. Nursalim of DKP3

Presentation on Strategies for Preventing and Addressing Karhutla by Bpk. Kristobey of Manggala Agni

Training Content Overview

The first session, led by Bapak Nursalim A.KS, covered key topics related to Land Clearing Without Burning, including land clearing methods, considerations for selecting burning-free techniques, steps for manual preparation, and waste processing from renewable energy sources. The second session, presented by Bapak Kristobey A.P, focused on Strategies for Preventing and Addressing Karhutla, discussing causes and impacts of forest fires, prevention measures, community roles, key factors in fire management, and penalties for violations. These sessions aimed to equip participants, especially MPA members, with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent and address Karhutla, promote environmental awareness, and foster responsibility in protecting forests and land from fires.

Collaborative Efforts

Addressing forest fires and reducing land clearing without burning requires collaboration among various stakeholders. The involvement of communities, government institutions, NGOs, and companies is crucial in preventing and managing forest and land fires. Strengthening the capacity of MPA groups is essential, as they serve as the backbone of these efforts. This training and educational initiative aims to enhance knowledge and foster cooperation between MPA groups, companies, foundations, and the government.

Reflection session for the participants

Participant Engagement

The training was attended by 29 participants from the four villages, including employees from PT NRS Fire Prevention and Control Division and Community Development staff. The objectives were to equip participants, especially MPA members, with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent and address Karhutla, teach fire prevention techniques, and promote environmental awareness and responsibility in protecting forests and land from fires. The session included presentations from speakers, Q&A discussions, and participant reflections.

Discussion and QnA from the participants

Outcomes and Insights

The event was opened and closed by Ibu Ireyana S.A, Secretary of Kalahien Village, representing the Kalahien Village Government, along with representatives from MPA Kalahien, MPA Pararapak, MPA Murung Paken, MPA Madara, and the DKP3 and Manggala Agni speakers. The training ran from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Participants were actively engaged, listening attentively to the presentations and contributing questions and suggestions. Participants gained valuable insights into land clearing without burning and strategies for preventing and managing Karhutla, specifically for MPA members in the four villages.