T

he central government, through the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), has given Rp 4 billion (US$ 295,836.11) in financial aid to the Jambi provincial administration for the handling of land and forest fires.

Jambi Governor Zumi Zola said he hoped all relevant stakeholders would use the funds optimally when the time came.

“There is zero tolerance for land and forest fires. We suffered Rp 12 trillion in losses in only three months during 2015. We won’t let that happen again,” Zumi said on Thursday.

The funds have been disbursed to the Garuda Putih 042 Military Resort Command (Korem), that received Rp 298.1 million; the Jambi Police (Rp 232.8 million); the East Tanjungjabung regency administration (Rp 481.2 million); the West Tanjungjabung regency administration (Rp 295.2 million); the Muarojambi regency administration (Rp 172.9 million); the Batanghari regency administration (Rp 443.3 million); the Tebo regency administration (Rp 587.2 million); the Sarolangun regency administration (Rp 501.3 million); and the Merangin regency administration (Rp 297.5 million).

“Sometimes, fires occurred in difficult-to-reach areas, where the personnel chose to go on foot with their equipment. This shows their commitment and I appreciate that,” Zumi said.

Meanwhile, Jambi Disaster Mitigation Agency head Bachyuni Deliansyah said a memorandum of understanding was signed by the relevant stakeholders to set out their respective duties and job descriptions.