In Perawang, Riau, among the APP Group offices, the Situation Room stands as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of fires. Leading this operation is Cindy Claudya, a data analyst with a strong determination and quiet strength. Cindy's path to the Situation Room was unexpected. With an Accounting degree and no prior firefighting experience, she took a leap of faith when she first joined APP.
"I was just taking a chance," she says with a smile. "But sometimes, taking chances leads us to where we're meant to be."
For nearly six years now, Cindy has been the heart of the Situation Room, crunching numbers and analysing data with a precision that belies her initial apprehension. Each day, she delves into the intricacies of the Fire Danger Rating System, deciphering its cryptic language to predict the ever-shifting patterns of fire risk.
But Cindy's role extends far beyond the confines of her computer screen. As one of the few women in the firefighting force at APP, she embodies resilience in the face of adversity, breaking barriers with quiet resolve. In a field traditionally dominated by men, her presence is a testament to the power of determination and grit.
"I didn't know the first thing about firefighting when I started," she admits. "But I was determined to learn, to grow, to make a difference."
And make a difference, she does. From the moment she steps into the Situation Room each morning, Cindy is driven by a singular mission: to protect her community from the scourge of wildfires. With every keystroke, every analysis, she inches closer to that goal, her dedication steady in the face of challenge.
As International Firefighters Day dawns, Cindy's work takes on a renewed significance. It's a day to honour the brave souls who put their lives on the line to keep us safe, to celebrate their courage and sacrifice. And for Cindy, it's a reminder of the profound impact she has on her community, the lives she touches with her tireless efforts.
"I may not wear a uniform or wield a hose," she muses, "but I like to think that I'm a firefighter in my own right. My weapon may be data instead of water, but the goal remains the same: to protect and serve."
Inside the Situation Room, Cindy's words resonate like a rallying cry for unity in the face of adversity. For in her commitment to her craft, lies the true spirit of firefighting—a spirit that knows no gender, no boundaries, no limits.
“I think it was one year before I became very comfortable with the technicalities of this job. At this point, I’m proud to say that we at the situation room are an important part of fire prevention operations and we’re supporting the firefighters on the front lines.” said Cindy with a smile.
Though the battle against wildfires may rage on, Cindy knows that she is part of something bigger than herself, a force for good in a world too often shrouded in darkness. And as she leaves the Situation Room every day, she carries with her the hope of a brighter tomorrow—a tomorrow where fires burn less fiercely, and communities stand stronger.