SOUTH SUMATRA, BALINEWS — PT Hutama Karya (Persero) has strengthened its wildfire response preparedness along three sections of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS): Palembang–Indralaya (Palindra), Indralaya–Prabumulih (Inprabu), and Terbanggi Besar–Pematang Panggang–Kayu Agung (Terpeka). The measures aim to support firefighting efforts and protect road users amid potential visibility hazards caused by smoke from forest and land fires.
Hamdani, Executive Vice President of Corporate Secretary at Hutama Karya, said the company had prepared firefighting equipment and strengthened coordination with relevant agencies to support fire response efforts around the toll roads within its area of responsibility.
“We have prepared firefighting support equipment and strengthened coordination with relevant agencies to assist response efforts around the toll roads while maintaining the safety of road users,” Hamdani said.
On the Palindra Toll Road, Hutama Karya has made available a water tanker with a capacity of 5,000 liters and a tow truck equipped with a 3,000-liter water tank and firefighting equipment. Fire beaters have also been provided in every operational vehicle to support initial firefighting efforts.
On the Inprabu Toll Road, the company has prepared a 5,000-liter water tanker and an additional 1,500-liter water tank to support firefighting operations within the toll road’s right-of-way.
Meanwhile, on the Terpeka Toll Road, Hutama Karya has placed five water tankers on standby, each with a capacity of 5,000 liters, along with additional water tanks and firefighting equipment. The company has also refurbished two portable water pumps installed on tanker vehicles in Kayu Agung and Lambu Kibang and replaced four hoses to support firefighting operations. Fire beaters have also been made available in patrol vehicles.
To facilitate a coordinated response, Hutama Karya is working with Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD), Manggala Agni, local fire departments, the police, and local governments. Along the Terpeka corridor, coordination includes fire departments in Central Lampung, Tulang Bawang, West Tulang Bawang, Mesuji, and Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) regencies, as well as Manggala Agni in OKI.
In addition to strengthening its operational readiness, Hutama Karya has disseminated safety advisories through social media, Variable Message Signs (VMS), roadside banners, and public address systems. The advisories urge motorists to remain alert when driving through areas affected by smoke.
The company advises drivers to gradually reduce their speed when visibility becomes limited, maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, turn on their headlights, and avoid sudden braking or overtaking. Motorists are also urged to follow instructions from toll road personnel and refrain from stopping in traffic lanes.
Road users who encounter fires or smoke that could disrupt traffic are encouraged to report them immediately to toll road personnel. If visibility becomes inadequate, drivers are advised not to continue their journey and to stop safely at the nearest rest area.
Hamdani emphasized that road user safety remains a priority as wildfires pose potential risks to travel along several sections of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road network. Hutama Karya continues to strengthen its preparedness and coordinate with relevant agencies to support firefighting efforts and maintain safe toll road operations.
