National collaboration in sustainable forest and land fire control (karhutla) is becoming increasingly urgent amidst the growing threat of global climate change. The projected El Niño phenomenon in 2026, which is expected to peak in mid-year, presents serious challenges for Indonesia, particularly with the potential for a longer dry season and below-normal rainfall in most regions. This situation has direct implications for the increased risk of forest and land fires, which will impact not only the environment but also public health, economic stability, and Indonesia’s global image.
The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is demonstrating anticipatory measures by tightening forest and land fire control comprehensively. The approach taken is no longer merely reactive, but rather based on systematic prevention from upstream to downstream. The Acting Director General of Plantations at the Ministry of Agriculture, Ali Jamil, emphasized that all plantation businesses, both small and large, are required to implement the no-burn principle as the primary standard in land management and ensure the readiness of facilities, infrastructure, and human resources for fire control. This statement reflects the government’s commitment to fostering collective discipline in the plantation sector, a hotspot for forest and land fires.
Strengthening the early warning system is a key strategy promoted by the government. Integrating hotspot data, weather forecasts, and spatially-based mapping of vulnerable areas allows for a faster and more targeted response. Furthermore, the development of supporting infrastructure such as reservoirs, canal blocks, and observation towers is part of ongoing mitigation efforts. In this context, Ali Jamil also emphasized that investing in a forest and land fire prevention system is a strategic step to protect the sustainability of plantation businesses while safeguarding the environment and the reputation of Indonesian commodities in the global market.
Furthermore, the cross-sectoral approach led by the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs strengthens the foundation of national collaboration. The Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, General (Ret.) Djamari Chaniago, emphasized that preparedness for forest and land fires is not merely a ceremonial activity, but a concrete manifestation of the commitment of all stakeholders to unite and increase collective vigilance. He also emphasized that all components, including local governments, security forces, and volunteers, must ensure the readiness of resources, from personnel to field command systems.
Furthermore, Djamari Chaniago emphasized that the best strategy for controlling forest and land fires is to strengthen prevention and early detection, considering that handling widespread fires is much more difficult, expensive, and risky. He also emphasized the importance of protecting strategic areas, residential areas, and public facilities to prevent the impact of forest and land fires from spreading to social and economic sectors. This statement emphasizes that the government’s approach is comprehensive and oriented towards protecting the wider community.
The flammable and difficult-to-extinguish characteristics of peatland areas present a unique challenge in controlling forest and land fires. Therefore, water level management, water resource optimization, and field operational readiness are crucial aspects that must be considered. In this regard, synergy between the central and regional governments is a determining factor in success, particularly in ensuring the readiness of infrastructure and resources in vulnerable areas.
The involvement of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and volunteers demonstrates that controlling forest and land fires is a shared responsibility. Integrated patrols, rapid verification of hotspots, and responsive field response are indicators of effective cross-sector coordination. Djamari Chaniago also emphasized that law enforcement must be firm and consistent against those who burn land, given the widespread impacts and detrimental effects on various sectors of life.
The central government’s commitment to supporting forest and land fire control is also reflected in the budget preparedness, which is not affected by efficiency policies. The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency, Suharyanto, ensured that the forest and land fire management budget is fully prepared in accordance with the President’s directive, allowing regions to act quickly in mitigation and early response. This demonstrates that the forest and land fire issue is a national priority that requires serious and sustained attention.
Ultimately, the success of sustainable forest and land fire control depends heavily on the strength of national collaboration. The government has demonstrated a clear policy direction by prioritizing prevention, supported by strengthening systems, infrastructure, and law enforcement. Statements from key figures demonstrate a shared vision for addressing this threat: building solid synergy and a swift, coordinated response.
With strong collaboration between the government, the business world, security forces, and the public, Indonesia has a significant opportunity to minimize the risk of forest and land fires. This effort is not only a form of environmental protection but also a long-term investment in the sustainability of national development and the well-being of the community.
*) The author is a social observer