Sercova Launches Forest Fire Prevention Program with Inauguration and Training of Community Fire Brigade
Seram Bagian Timur, Maluku – In a strategic move to address the persistent threat of forest fires, Sercova has officially launched a forest fire prevention program by forming and training the Community Fire Brigade (MPA), Wednesday, (30/7/2025). This event marks the beginning of Sercova's commitment to empowering local communities, especially when facing the challenges of the dry season, in preserving the forests and environment of East Seram.
The Forest and Land Fire Control (Dalkarhutla) training was attended by 30 people from Jembatan Basah Village and Rukun Jaya Village, who were then inaugurated as the Community Fire Brigade team. The inauguration and training were also attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from the Bula Regency Forest Management Unit (KPH), the Bula Regency Babinsa and Bhabinkamtibmas (local security and community officers), the Bula Regency Fire Department (Damkar), and the Village Secretaries of Jembatan Basah and Rukun Jaya. The presence of these parties shows the synergy and support from the local government and security institutions.
The newly inaugurated MPA members underwent a series of intensive training sessions covering several key topics, such as:
- Socialization on forest and land fire prevention.
- The proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Setting up the necessary equipment for fire handling.
- Fire suppression and evacuation simulations.
This training was designed to equip them with the practical skills and knowledge needed to be on the front lines of fire management.
In response to the program, Sofyan, the Village Secretary of Rukun Jaya, expressed his appreciation.
"The formation of this Community Fire Brigade is excellent because every time the dry season arrives, Rukun Jaya Village often experiences fires," he said. Sofyan also added a suggestion from the community that Sercova should not only focus on planting but also on the maintenance of the surrounding forests and biodiversity.
Following the training and inauguration, Sercova has established concrete next steps. The MPA team will begin conducting forest patrols and monitoring for fire hotspots in the Strata Pacific area. If a fire occurs, the MPA fire brigade team will be dispatched immediately to the location. This initiative is expected to create a strong model of collaboration between the company and the community in preserving nature and ensuring environmental sustainability.
