Pelalawan, 31 May 2023 – To increase awareness of the threat of forest and land fires in the second period of the dry season this year, Asian Agri conducts fire prevention training and simulations in an effort to prevent forest and land fire in the company’s operational environment which takes place at Buatan plantation, Pangkalan Kerinci, Pelalawan, Riau, today.
This training activity is also an action to the forest and land fire emergency alert status which announced by the Governor of Riau, Syamsuar, last February. In implementing the training, Asian Agri collaborates with various stakeholders, such as the Head of Pelalawan District Police, the Pelalawan District of National Agency for Disaster Management (BPBD), the Pelalawan District Plantation and Livestock Service, the Pelalawan District Environmental Service, the Head of Civil Service Police and the Pelalawan District Fire Service, the Pangkalan Kerinci District Military Command, the Pangkalan Kerinci Police Chief, and also inviting some representatives from villages around the Asian Agri plantation, as well as the Fire Aware Community (FAC) located in Riau Province.
According to Hafiz Hazalin Sinaga, Fire Free Village Manager of Asian Agri, the purpose of this training activity is to improve the capabilities and knowledge of the fire fighter team in the plantation unit, both extinguishing and prevention techniques, so that they can anticipate fire incidents in the plantations and community lands near the company.
“Beside the socialization on how to deal with forest and land fires, in this activity there is also a demonstration of the operation of a fire extinguisher, as well as a presentation on law enforcement related to forest and land fire. We hope that after this training, all the stakeholders can work together better, to prevent the forest and land fire,” added Hafiz.
Pelalawan Police Chief, AKBP Suwinto shows his appreciation and gratitude to Asian Agri for this activity which conducted today. He said “Through this activity, we hope we can anticipate natural disasters, especially forest and land fires. Therefore, it is important that the readiness of the company whether the personnel, equipment and also the fire prevention methods and techniques.” He also said that the synergy of all stakeholders, starting from the Government, companies, and local residents, is needed to work together to collaborate in keeping the land free from fire.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Sumatra VI Siak Operations Area, Ihsan Abdillah appreciates the actions taken by Asian Agri in terms of preventing forest and land fires. “Asian Agri has always been consistent in carrying out various prevention and training activities for its employees, this shows the company’s commitment to preventing forest and land fires. Apart from personnel, Asian Agri is also preparing adequate equipment and in accordance with the provisions of the government.” Ihsan said
On different occasions, the Segati Fire Free Village assisted by Asian Agri together with the Fire Aware Community (FAC) collaborated with TNI, Polri, and Manggala Agni, since last April, increase the intensity of fire patrols to preventing forest and land fires in Segati Village and its surroundings.
According to Hafiz, apart from patrolling activities, the Fire Free Village, FAC team, along with other stakeholders also conducted outreach about the dangers of forest and land fires to the surrounding community and educated them not to clear land by burning.
“According to information from the BMKG, in 2023, Riau Province is predicted to experience dry drought, therefore the intensity of patrols ahead of the dry season is increased in areas prone to fires, including Segati Village. “Collaboration from various stakeholders, including the community is urgently needed in preventing forest and land fires,” said Hafiz.
About Asian Agri :
Asian Agri is one of Indonesia’s largest palm oil producers. Founded in 1979, the company today manages 100,000 hectares of plantation land and employs over 20,000 people. A pioneer of the Indonesian government’s Trans-National Government Migration (PIR-Trans) program, Asian Agri currently works with 30,000 Scheme smallholders in Riau and Jambi who operate 60,000 hectares of oil palm plantations, and independent smallholders who manage more than 39,000 hectares.
Implementing a strict “no burn” policy since 1994 and best practices in sustainable plantation management, Asian Agri has helped its smallholder partners improve productivity, yield and supply chain traceability, while assisting them obtain certifications. The company’s mills are technologically advanced and energy self-sufficient, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
All business units of Asian Agri has the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO). Currently, all Asian Agri’s plantations in North Sumatra, Riau & Jambi provinces and Scheme smallholder plantations in Riau & Jambi provinces have been 100% RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified. In addition, ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) has been achieved by all plantations owned by Asian Agri and the smallholders it supports.
The company’s operations (CPO mills and KCPs) are ISO 14001 certified, while its Learning Institute and nursery research center in Pelalawan, Riau province, Indonesia are both ISO 9001 certified. Asian Agri’s laboratory at the Center for Research and Development in Tebing Tinggi is accredited by the National Accreditation Committee under the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC MRA).
Media Contact :
Corporate Communications, Asian Agri
Email : communications@asianagri.com
