IPB University Inaugurates the First Fire Simulator in Southeast Asia for Forest and Land Fire Suppression
IPB University made history by inaugurating the Rainforests and Peatlands Fires Center of Excellence, a collaboration between the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan) of IPB University and the Ambassade de France en Indonésie. This training center is equipped with a Fire Simulator to train experts and teams of forest and land firefighters in strategies and techniques for extinguishing fires in Indonesia.
Prof Bambang Hero Saharjo, a renowned forest and land fire expert in Indonesia explained that the fire simulator at IPB University is the only one in Southeast Asia and is a very important facility in improving the ability of the firefighting team.
“This Fire Simulator was launched by the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Prof Siti Nurbaya Bakar, last March. This is a big step for all of us,” said Prof Bambang, a professor at the Faculty of Forestry, IPB University.
He continued, with the inauguration of the Rainforests and Peatlands Fires Center of Excellence Room, IPB University reaffirmed its commitment in facing the challenges of forest and land fires that often hit Indonesia. “This facility is expected to become a center of excellence in training and developing forest fire fighting strategies in the Southeast Asia region,” he said.
Jean-Michel Dumaz, who is the Regional Civil Protection and Crisis Management Attaché Indopacific Countries of the French Embassy in Singapore, also expressed his appreciation.
“This Fire Simulator comes thanks to the cooperation built by IPB University and the French Embassy initiated by Prof Bambang. This shows how much he cares about fire control efforts, especially forest and land firefighting in Indonesia,” Jean said.
Dr Fitriya Nur Annisa Dewi, Ph.D, from IPB University’s Directorate of Global Connectivity, also gave her views. “This step forward prioritizes technological advances in training forest and land fire fighting teams in Indonesia. This facility can also be used as a training room for students,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr Nandi Kosmaryandi, Vice Dean for Resources, Cooperation and Development of the Faculty of Forestry and Environment of IPB University, expressed his gratitude for the inauguration.
“We are very grateful for this training room that emphasizes technology. This facility is not only useful for the firefighting team but also as a training room for Fahutan IPB University students,” explained Dr Nandi. (IAAS/ZQA)
