The importance of the role of Disaster-Aware Communities (MPB) in disaster mitigation efforts, particularly forest and peatland fires, has become increasingly apparent due to the frequent threats to the environment and community life. In Tanjung Belit Village, Siak Kecil Subdistrict, Bengkalis Regency, a community service activity was held involving various parties. The main objective was to strengthen the role of the MPB in the prevention and control of forest and peatland fires.
This initiative was led by lecturers from the Sociology Program at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Riau, including Dr. Hesti Asriwandari, Prof. Dr. Ashaluddin Jalil, Dr. Achmad Hidir, and Yesi. They collaborated with the Tanjung Belit Village Government and involved various community elements and related stakeholders, especially the MPB. A series of activities such as training, socialization, and technical capacity-building for the MPB were conducted to equip them to deal with forest and peatland fire risks.
Forest and peatland fires are a recurring disaster in Indonesia, especially during the dry season. The impact extends beyond environmental damage to public health due to the resulting air pollution. The MPB is expected to serve as the frontline in preventing and reducing the impact of these fires by increasing early vigilance and strengthening community capabilities in handling such fires.
During the event, Dr. Hesti Asriwandari, as the Head of the Community Service Program, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, community, and related institutions to achieve better environmental resilience. Through training and socialization, it is hoped that the MPB will be better prepared to identify potential fires early on and take preventive measures effectively.
Fire Mitigation Training and Socialization
This activity covered both theoretical and practical mitigation topics, such as fire prevention techniques, identifying fire hotspots, using simple fire extinguishers, and rehabilitating peatland after fires. Participants were also trained to become agents of change capable of educating the surrounding community on the importance of preserving forests and peatlands.
In addition to technical aspects, this activity also aimed to raise awareness and encourage active community involvement in fire prevention. An educated community is better prepared to face fires, as peatland fires often originate from human activities, whether intentional or unintentional.
The role of the MPB extends beyond fire control and is vital in prevention, such as regulating the use of fire in open fields, as well as monitoring and maintaining forest and peatland areas sustainably.
The Secretary of Tanjung Belit Village, Mr. Untung, stated that education on fire prevention and management is greatly needed by the community. Through the involvement of university lecturers, the community, especially the MPB, gained new knowledge to support disaster mitigation efforts. This also underscores the critical role of the village government in formulating regulations related to such mitigation efforts. Thus, collaboration between lecturers, government, community, and various related parties is key to preserving the environment and reducing the risk of forest and peatland fires in Tanjung Belit Village and its surroundings.
-Enggy, ft:ist