PALANGKA RAYA – EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION BUREAU. Vice Governor Habib Ismail Bin Yahya participated in a touring to disseminate Covid-19 awareness as well as the Management of Forest and Land Fires in Central Kalimantan Province which was initiated by the Regional Police Chief of Central Kalimantan, Inspector General Pol Dedi Prasetyo. The tour was planned to be held for two days; on Saturday and Sunday, March 13-14, 2021, by stopping at a number of sites in Katingan Regency, East Kotawaringin Regency, and ending up in Seruyan Regency.

Today’s touring route, Saturday (13/03/2021) started from the Central Kalimantan Police Headquarters heading to the Command Post of Forest and Land Fires Management, Kalampangan Village, Sebangau District. At the post, Vice Governor Habib Ismail Bin Yahya along with the Regional Police Chief and his entourage did a brief check on the post and symbolically handed over social assistance to the post officers.

Furthermore, the group continued their journey to Katingan Regency and carried out the Dzuhur Prayer at the Ainul Yaqin Mosque in Katingan Regency. After performing the prayers, Deputy Governor Ismail Bin Yahya and his entourage handed over masks to the administrators of the Ainul Yaqin Mosque.

The group continued their journey and arrived at the Command Post of Forest and Land Fires Management of East Kotawaringin’s Resort Police on Jalan Pelita Outer Ring Sampit. The group was welcomed by the Regent of East Kotawaringin Halikinnor, Dandim, the Resort Police Chief, Kasrem, and the local Head of District.

In a brief meeting with the Regent of East Kotawaringin Halikinnor and the ranks of Forkopimda East Kotawaringin, the Regional Police Chief of Central Kalimantan Inspector General Pol Dedi Prasetyo appealed to the Regent of East Kotawaringin Halikinnor to convey a message to the public not to ignore health protocols. “Even though the vaccine continues to be promoted nationally, it does not mean that the health protocol is being neglected. We must be really disciplined and strict in implementing the health protocol as a form of effort,” said the Regional Police Chief.

The the Regional Police Chief also conveyed a message that people should not be careless in facing the dry season even though currently there is still rainfall in Central Kalimantan. Forest and Land Fires preparedness in vulnerable places is carried out in an integrated manner and checks are carried out every month on infrastructure. “The synergy of the local government, the National Police, the TNI, community leaders, traditional leaders, and volunteers who care about fire must continue to be improved,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Regent of East Kotawaringin Halikinnor, was grateful that the touring group stopped by East Kotawaringin. Halikinnor also stated the readiness of East Kotawaringin Regency in facing forest and land fires. “The blackout fleet is quite adequate. God willing, East Kotawaringin is ready,” he said.

However, Halikinnor still hopes for guidance and direction from the Central Kalimantan Regional Police in dealing with forest and land fires.

On this occasion, Deputy Governor Habib Ismail Bin Yahya also conveyed the message that self-awareness and monitoring infrastructure must be improved. “Invite all community leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders to be able to educate the public,” said the Deputy Governor.

“We hope East Kotawaringin if there is something, do not hesitate to set the Alert status so that we can anticipate it early because it is like the old man said that fire is small, so friends, big opponents. Don’t let it get bigger,” he added.

Furthermore, the Deputy Governor hopes for early readiness from all existing components, such as the TNI, National Police, and also the government, as well as all components of society, to work together, unite to jointly prevent these forest and land fires with their respective awareness.

The entourage is scheduled to conduct social activities tomorrow in Seruyan Regency. Also participating in the touring group, among others, Danrem 102/Pjg Brigadier General TNI Purwo Sudaryanto and Kabinda Brigadier General Pol Slamet Urip Widodo. In order to comply with health protocols, all touring participants have undergone a rapid test at the Central Kalimantan Police Headquarters before leaving. (dew/ran/dmr/translated by feb)