Following the first week of scientific analysis, simulation-based learning, and strategic planning, the second week of the 2nd Training of Trainers on Forest Fire Suppression (TOTFFS) in Peatland moved to South Sumatra, where participants transitioned from classroom learning to intensive field-based operational training.
The training was conducted at Manggala Agni DAOPS OKI, one of Indonesia’s frontline forest fire response units, where a forest fire training center established by the Korea-Indonesia Forest Cooperation Center (KIFC) is located. This setting provided participants with direct exposure to real-world peatland fire suppression system and allowed them to apply the knowledge gained during the first week in practical field conditions.
Bringing together forest fire responders from 6 AFoCO Member Countries, the second week focused on operational readiness, teamwork, equipment handling, and coordinated response strategies essential for peatland fire suppression.
Frontline Forest Fire Response System
The week began with an introduction to the operational structure and challenges of Manggala Agni, Indonesia’s specialized forest fire response unit. Mr. Ferdian Krisnanto, Head of Forest Fire Control for the Sumatra Region under the Ministry of Forestry, welcomed participants and introduced the role of Manggala Agni across Sumatra, including its command structure, deployment systems, and fire monitoring operations.
At the forest fire monitoring center within the training facility, participants were introduced to how forest fire incidents are monitored and coordinated across the region. They learned about field deployment procedures, response mechanisms, and the practical realities of managing peatland fires in one of Southeast Asia’s most fire-prone landscapes. To strengthen team cohesion and operational discipline, participants also joined the same physical training routines regularly conducted by local Manggala Agni fire responders. These exercises included basic hand tool handling, teamwork-building drills, and firefighter fitness training, allowing participants to directly experience the intensity and discipline required in frontline forest fire operations.
From Maps to Strategy: Navigation and Tactical Fire Suppression
The second week also emphasized practical equipment use and strategic field decision-making. French experts introduced the personal protective equipment (PPE) including helmets, goggles, fire-resistant clothing, boots, and hand tools, used by professional forest fire responders in France. Participants were able to wear and test the equipment themselves, helping them better understand both safety standards and operational readiness in fire suppression.
Another important module focused on map and compass navigation, preparing participants for situations where communication devices such as mobile or GPS may be unavailable in remote forest environments. Using topographic maps and traditional navigation techniques, participants practiced moving through forest terrain and locating fire zones under limited communication conditions an essential skill highly relevant to many AFoCO Member Countries.
The well-known Sand Table Exercise was further adapted for peatland conditions. Using terrain models and peat sand, participants simulated how fire spreads across both mountainous landscapes and underground peat layers. By applying concepts learned during the first week, including the Campbell Prediction System (CPS) and the Fire Weather Index (FWI), they analyzed the interactions of wind, sunlight, fuel, and topography in driving fire behavior. Teams then designed firebreaks, planned suppression strategies, and discussed how to protect critical assets such as nearby villages and plantations. This exercise strengthened participants’ ability to translate scientific analysis into strategic operational decisions in a safe and controlled environment.
On the Ground: Peatland Fire Suppression, Restoration, and Public–Private Cooperation
Participants also visited active peatland restoration and forest concession sites to better understand how fire suppression and post-fire recovery are managed in real operational settings.
At PT. Kelantan Sakti Forest Concession, participants observed how a private concession area manages peatland fire risks within plantation operations. They learned how site-level fire response teams are organized to conduct initial suppression, and how larger-scale incidents require direct coordination with local Manggala Agni units. Importantly, many of these private-sector responders had received professional training from Manggala Agni, demonstrating strong public–private cooperation in forest fire management. The visit also allowed participants to observe how peatland restoration is carried out after fire events, providing valuable insight into the long-term relationship between fire suppression, ecosystem recovery, and sustainable land management.
Participants further visited a peatland restoration site associated with broader restoration efforts, where they learned about rehabilitation strategies and field-based fire management approaches from local experts, including peatland specialist Mr. Bastoni from Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN). The site visit helped connect classroom learning with the ecological realities of peatland fire prevention and recovery.
Under Pressure: Pump Operations, Communication, and Team Coordination
One of the most intensive parts of the second week focused on practical suppression operations using medium-sized pumps, hoses, and field communication systems. French experts introduced radio communication systems using walkie-talkies, emphasizing how efficient communication becomes critical during wildfire response when visibility is limited and rapid decisions must be made under pressure.
Participants then formed operational teams and practiced the full sequence of field suppression activities, from pump setup and hose deployment to water spraying and coordinated movement in fire zones. Particular attention was given to the roles of signalers, pump operators, hose crews, and nozzle operators, with strong emphasis on hand signals, reporting systems, and radio communication.
These exercises demonstrated that successful forest fire suppression depends not only on equipment, but on clear roles, disciplined teamwork, and effective communication between all members of the response team.
From Training to Replication: Building Future Trainers
The second week successfully transformed the knowledge gained during the first week into operational readiness. Through field-based exercises, direct exposure to peatland fire response system, and intensive teamwork under realistic conditions, participants strengthened both their technical skills and their confidence as future trainers.
(Left: participant from Brunei Darussalam; Right: Mr. Vincent from the French MOEFA)
The FFMA Initiative also reaffirmed the importance of strong partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and local operational units in delivering effective capacity-building initiatives. AFoCO expresses its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia, Korea-Indonesia Forest Cooperation Center, Manggala Agni DAOPS OKI, and all training partners whose collaboration made the program possible.
Submitted by Kiwon Kim, Program Officer, Capacity-Building and Evaluation Team