Revitalization of Forestry Extension For Prevention Land And Forest Fire: A Learning from Kubu Raya Regency

Abstract

Various efforts to overcome the problem of land and forest fires in Indonesia are still being carried out. All parties' involvement is necessary to prevent forest and land fires, including forestry extension workers. Prevention is not only in the form of outreach to the public about the prohibition of burning, but prevention is more aimed at how to prevent fires from being lit or small fires from being extinguished before the fire spreads. This is where the role of the forestry extension agent as a community assistance agent is essential. This paper examines the role of forestry extension workers in forest and land fire prevention at the site level. This study uses a qualitative approach with case study methods. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, document studies, focus group discussions. and field observations. The study results indicate that there still needs to be more in the number and capacity of forestry instructors. The revitalization that needs to be done is to increase the capacity of existing extension workers, both forestry and self-employed extension workers. Equitable capacity distribution, especially for self-employed forestry extension workers, needs to be an important concern given the level of trust and specific local strengths that require support. Community empowerment to diversify economic resources has been essential in preventing forest and land fires. In this case, community assistance is the determinant carried out by forestry extension workers.