The company has ramped up its fire prevention and management systems in line with its standard procedures, but also based on the higher probability of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El Niño climate pattern emerging in the coming months which can result in drier than average conditions.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has indicated an 80 percent probability of El Niño, and all models indicate a positive IOD between July and September 2023, which has historically been associated with increased fire and smoke haze.

During the Fire Danger Period, APRIL will increase ground and air patrols to monitor fire-related incidents while also continuing to work with local communities to help reduce the risk of fires.

Starting from 2015, APRIL has declared a Fire Danger Period each year to put the company’s fire operations teams on high alert as well as to monitor and respond to any hotspots or fire incidents in its concession areas.

This declaration is a key element of APRIL’s integrated approach to forest fire management, a part of its continued commitment to support government agencies and work with other concession holders and  communities to mitigate the risk of fire during dry seasons. 

Prevention remains a cornerstone of APRIL’s approach to fire management. Since 2014, the company has worked continuously with communities through its Fire Free Village Program to educate and raise awareness on responsible forestry management practices among local villages.

As of June 2023, 42 villages are participating in the program, covering a total area of more than 900,000 ha. Fire incidents within  the areas covered by the FFVP have been reduced by more than 90 percent since the program began.

“We are fully aware of the risks posed by the climate this year and are preparing accordingly. Based on our  experience, fire prevention is the primary factor in limiting the risk of fires overall. Through a focus on fire  prevention, we can mitigate risks of health issues for our employees and communities, and limit any impact  on our operations,” said Sihol Aritonang, President Director of PT. Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (PT. RAPP), the operating arm of APRIL Group.

The company is also working closely with the Pelalawan government and other companies in the regency to implement its cluster-based fire management program to ensure a more coordinated fire prevention and  suppression efforts. In addition, APRIL actively supports multi-stakeholder initiatives led by the Environment and Forestry Ministry and regional governments to prevent forest and land fires, and suppress them if they occur.

Since 1993, APRIL has operated a strict ‘No Burn’ policy and continues to adhere to the Indonesian  government’s legal requirement to address the risks posed by fires.

The company has invested heavily in state-of-the-art fire detection and suppression technology through satellite imaging and CCTV towers located around the forest plantations. Its resources also include one helicopter, two airboats, 260 professional fire fighters, 39 lookout towers and 45 CCTV units, 552 water pumps, and firefighting training for 724 volunteers across 39 Riau villages.

In the case of potential hotspots or fire incidents, APRIL has prepared a 24-hour Fire Hotline at +62 811 707 2121 to enable quick reporting on fires occurring around its concession areas.

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