Optimalisasi Operasi Udara Terpadu Berbasis AFEC dalam Penanggulangan Karhutla di Kalimantan Selatan

Abstract

This study analyzes the current condition, influencing factors, and optimization strategy of integrated air operations for forest and land fire (Karhutla) response in South Kalimantan as part of Military Operations Other Than War. The study uses a descriptive qualitative case-study design. Primary data were obtained from semi-structured interviews, field observations, and questionnaires involving 1,022 respondents, while secondary data included operational documents, hotspot records, sortie and water-bombing data, meteorological information, doctrines, regulations, and relevant literature. Analysis combines data condensation, data display, conclusion drawing and verification with gap analysis, using optimization theory, Command and Control (C2), interoperability, collaborative governance, and the OODA Loop as analytical lenses. As of 6 September 2026, 2,828 Karhutla incidents, approximately 18,938.06 hectares of affected land, and 20,351 hotspots were recorded. Air operations conducted 77 patrol sorties, 210 water-bombing sorties, 9,713 water drops totaling approximately 40.17 million liters, and 15 weather-modification sorties. The main gaps concern real-time ground data continuity, shared situational awareness, asset and water-source limitations, integrated training, and post-mission feedback. The study formulates the AFEC-Based Rapid Aerial Response model to connect detection, verification, assessment, risk-based prioritization, aerial intervention, ground containment, result verification, and reassessment within one decision loop. The model positions C2 and interoperability as key operational levers and shifts performance measurement from activity-based outputs toward response speed, targeting accuracy, air-ground integration, aviation safety, escalation control, and prevention of re-ignition.