Siak Plants Land Used by Forest and Land Fires, Prevents Conversion to Palm Oil Plantations

SIAK, GARISBUMI.com – The Siak Regency Government planted trees on land burned by forest and land fires (karhutla) in the Tanjung Buton Port area, Friday (9/10/2026). Reforestation is carried out to restore land while preventing burned areas from being converted into oil palm plantations.

Siak Regent Afni Z said the area of land burned reached around 4.5 hectares. A number of tree species are planted in the area, including pulai and petai.

"Usually after forest and land fires, the burned land is turned into oil palm plantations. So because this is a BUMD area, we immediately planted together," said Afni.

This activity involved the TNI, Polri, related agencies, Scouts, community organizations and other elements. Afni was present with the Deputy Regent of Siak Syamsurizal and the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).

According to Afni, the planting is a direct recovery step at the location of the former forest and land fires. Similar movements will be continued in a number of other areas in Siak Regency.

Trees must be cared for until they grow

Afni emphasized the importance of maintenance after planting so that the planted seeds can grow and provide benefits to the environment.

"I want this tree to be really well looked after, not just planted, but really grown. Its roots will protect the land of Siak and its leaves can provide shade," he said.

During this activity, Afni named one of the trees he planted "General Herry Tree". The naming was a form of appreciation to Commissioner General Pol Herry Heryawan for his support for handling forest and land fires and elephant conservation while serving in Riau.

Afni hopes that the spirit of environmental awareness through the Green Policing concept will continue to be implemented in Siak, especially to protect the environment and prevent recurring fires.

Greening Continues in Dayun

The next greening movement is scheduled to take place in Dayun District, Siak Regency, Saturday (10/10/2026), involving more than a thousand participants.

According to Afni, the activity initiated by Herry Heryawan was planned to be attended by the Military Commander, the Acting Governor of Riau, as well as elements of the provincial Forkopimda.

It is hoped that planting in a number of former forest and land fire locations will be a sustainable step to restore land and maintain the function of the area.