Controlling forest and land fires, or karhutla, has become a national strategic agenda related to environmental protection, economic sustainability, public health, and Indonesia’s commitment to addressing global climate change. In recent years, the government has continued to strengthen a more systematic, integrated, and collaborative approach across sectors. The national strategy is now geared towards ensuring that any potential fires can be prevented early, while simultaneously increasing the capacity for rapid and effective field response.
The Acting Director General of Plantations at the Ministry of Agriculture, Ali Jamil Harahap, stated that national preparedness for potential forest and land fires is being further strengthened through cross-sectoral coordination involving local governments, businesses, and various other stakeholders. He explained that the El Niño phenomenon, predicted to strengthen in 2026, is a major factor that must be seriously anticipated, given its impact on increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall, which can trigger land fires. Therefore, a preventative approach is a top priority, ensuring all parties consistently implement mitigation measures.
Ali Jamil emphasized that regulatory compliance is a crucial foundation for controlling forest and land fires. Plantation businesses are required to comply with regulations prohibiting land clearing by burning. Furthermore, every business entity is required to have an adequate fire control system, including infrastructure and trained human resources. This approach aims not only to reduce the number of fires but also to maintain the sustainability of the plantation sector as a pillar of the national economy.
Concrete steps taken by the government include strengthening technology-based early warning systems. Integration of hotspot data, weather forecasts, and spatial mapping of fire-prone areas are crucial instruments in supporting rapid response in the field. This system allows for early detection of potential fires, allowing for mitigation before they spread. Furthermore, digitizing reporting and monitoring also allows for more effective coordination between agencies, allowing each incident to be handled in a structured manner.
The government emphasized that the effectiveness of forest and land fire control now relies on strengthening human resource capacity to complement technological aspects. Deputy Minister of Forestry, Rohmat Marzuki, emphasized that improving human resource quality through international-scale training is crucial, given the unique characteristics of peat ecosystems that require specialized technical expertise, such as fire behavior analysis and the use of geographic information systems.
This step is a priority given the vital role of peat as a carbon sink and buffer for global biodiversity, which must be collectively protected. By mastering effective firefighting techniques and strengthening international collaboration, the government strives to create a space for knowledge exchange between partner countries. This global synergy not only strengthens the technical capacity of officers in the field but also strengthens national resilience in facing the increasingly complex and dynamic risks of the climate crisis.
Meanwhile, approaches to forest and land fire control are also being strengthened through innovation at the regional level. Minister of Environment Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat stated that initiatives such as Green Policing, developed in Riau, are a concrete example of how synergy between officials, the government, and the community can produce positive impacts. He explained that this approach focuses not only on law enforcement but also prioritizes education and public participation in environmental protection.
Jumhur believes that the program has great potential for replication in various regions across Indonesia. The success of Green Policing demonstrates the importance of a collaborative approach to forest and land fire control. By actively involving the community, prevention efforts can be more effective because collective awareness becomes part of the solution. Furthermore, activities such as tree planting also have a direct impact on maintaining ecosystem balance.
The national strategy for controlling forest and land fires focuses not only on prevention and response, but also on sustainability. The government is encouraging investment in fire control infrastructure, such as the construction of reservoirs, canal blocks, and monitoring towers. This infrastructure serves as a support system that enables faster and more efficient firefighting. Furthermore, the availability of adequate water sources is a crucial factor in the firefighting process on the ground.
On the other hand, law enforcement remains a crucial instrument in ensuring regulatory compliance. The government collaborates with law enforcement officials to prosecute violations that could potentially lead to fires. This approach is expected to have a deterrent effect and encourage businesses to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.
The national strategy for controlling forest and land fires also positions the public as a key actor in prevention efforts. Education and outreach efforts are continuously conducted to raise awareness about the dangers of forest and land fires. From careful anticipation to concrete action on the ground, the national strategy for controlling forest and land fires demonstrates that collaboration and innovation can provide solutions to address growing environmental challenges.
*) The author is a social and community observer.