PALEMBANG, thekabarnews.com—The South Sumatra provincial administration is opening its forest and land fire (karhutla) ground task force to members of the public as authorities intensify their response during the 2026 dry season.

South Sumatra governor Herman Deru announced the recruitment plan in Palembang on Monday, August 31.

Selected residents will join ground operations and receive Rp150,000 for each day they participate, although officials describe the payment as a field incentive rather than a formal salary.

“Members of the public may register for the ground force. There is a Rp150,000 ‘motivation allowance,’” Deru said, as quoted by Tirto.

Deru said residents could support firefighters at affected locations or assist with public education.

Ground teams also remind communities not to use fire when clearing land, particularly during periods of extreme dryness.

The South Sumatra provincial administration had not published detailed requirements for applicants when this report was prepared.

It also had not explained the selection process, training standards, insurance coverage or payment mechanism.

Residents should therefore rely on announcements from the South Sumatra administration and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

BNPB head Lt. Gen. Suharyanto said personnel on the ground remained central to extinguishing fires, even when authorities deployed helicopters.

“The ground task force is the main force in extinguishing forest and land fires,” Suharyanto said.

He cited an operation covering 15 hectares. Aerial water bombing handled about 2.5 hectares, while ground crews extinguished fires across the remaining 12.5 hectares.

The figures illustrate why authorities want to expand the number of people available for field operations.

According to an official BNPB statement, the ground task force brings together Manggala Agni forest firefighters, military and police personnel, regional disaster officials, community fire groups, volunteers and private-sector teams.

BNPB reported that 67.06 hectares still required extinguishing or monitoring as of August 30.

Authorities had also conducted more than 237 water-bombing sorties in several fire-prone areas, including Tulung Selapan, Rantau Bayur and Lalan.

The agency recorded Palembang’s air-quality index at 247 (very unhealthy) on the afternoon of August 30.

It advised residents, particularly children, older people and those with respiratory conditions, to reduce outdoor activity and wear protective masks.

BNPB’s August 2025 disaster bulletin recorded Rp150,000 per person per day as operational support for South Sumatra ground teams, alongside meals and fuel.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the 2026 incentive follows the same arrangement.

Clear recruitment rules will be essential because wildfire suppression exposes volunteers to smoke, heat and dangerous terrain.

Proper training and protective equipment will determine whether the public recruitment plan strengthens South Sumatra’s fire response without creating additional safety risks.