By: Ricky Rinaldi
Forest and land fires (karhutla) are one of the ecological disasters that often pose a serious threat in Indonesia, especially during the dry season. However, in 2025, Indonesia has shown significant progress in controlling forest and land fires thanks to the quick response of the government, especially local governments. This success is not just a coincidence, but the fruit of cross-sector synergy, preparedness, and collaborative work between various elements such as the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), TNI, Polri, Manggala Agni, firefighters, and the community.
The Head of BNPB, Lt. Gen. TNI Dr. Suharyanto, said that quick and responsive steps are the main key to controlling forest and land fires before the fire spreads and is difficult to control. He emphasized the importance of extinguishing the fire while it is still small so that it does not develop into a large fire. He also reminded all parties to remain vigilant in facing the dry season and not to be careless in maintaining preparedness.
This proactive attitude has proven effective, as happened in Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra. The forest fires that hit the Harau hills area were successfully controlled despite facing difficult geographical terrain, namely steep, rocky hills. Only about two hectares of land were burned thanks to the quick work of the joint team. A similar thing happened in Toba Regency, North Sumatra, where a forest fire covering 10 hectares was successfully handled without spreading further.
This success cannot be separated from the active role of the local government and the emergency response team in the field. The Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, stated that the success of controlling the forest fires was the result of the work of a joint team consisting of Manggala Agni, BPBD, TNI, Polri, firefighters, and the local community. He said that extinguishing was carried out since the first hotspots appeared and several locations had been declared extinguished.
Abdul Muhari also said that the preparedness of the local government must be strengthened, especially through integrated patrols, education for the community, and early detection of hotspots. He emphasized the importance of involving the community in vulnerable areas because they have a strategic role in early reporting and early extinguishing. The government also continues to remind people not to clear land by burning, because this action is one of the main causes of forest and land fires.
Data from the Ministry of Forestry noted that until April 2025, the total area of national forest and land fires reached 3,207 hectares, consisting of 1,227 hectares of peat land and 1,980 hectares of mineral land. The provinces with the highest levels of forest and land fires are Riau (699 hectares), West Kalimantan (494 hectares), and Aceh (296 hectares). Meanwhile, based on NASA’s Terra/Aqua MODIS satellite monitoring, the number of hotspots detected from January to May 2025 was 244 points, a decrease of 55.6 percent compared to the previous year in the same period.
This decrease is an indication of the success of the prevention approach that is now being prioritized by the government. The strategy is no longer just reactive, but rather more focused on early detection and response. Satellite-based monitoring technology now functions in real time and is an important tool for local governments in determining vulnerable locations and deploying resources in a timely manner.
The involvement of the TNI and Polri in extinguishing efforts also provides additional strength, both in terms of the number of personnel and security stability during the handling process. Good cross-sector coordination has been proven to accelerate extinguishing and minimize risks in the field.
The central government through the relevant ministries has also required companies operating in the forestry and plantation sectors to be more active in protecting the environment around their concession areas. Supervision by local governments of these areas also continues to be increased to ensure that there is no neglect of potential fires.
However, Abdul Muhari reminded that the potential for forest and land fires is still high, especially during the peak dry season between June and August. Therefore, he considered that preparedness must continue to be maintained and improved across all lines.
Rapid response, cross-sector collaboration, utilization of technology, and community participation are now the four main pillars in handling forest and land fires. The government is not only present normatively, but also actively appears in real action in the field. The cases in West Sumatra and North Sumatra can be national examples that effective forest and land fire control requires synergy between all elements.
Compared to the past, the paradigm for handling forest and land fires is now more progressive. Now the paradigm is starting to shift towards a more responsive and planned approach. The government and society are starting to show a working pattern thatcomplement each other, support each other, and be responsive to threats.
If this pattern is maintained, Indonesia is believed to be able to reduce the extent and frequency of forest and land fires significantly. Although the challenges ahead are still great due to climate change, economic pressures, and limited resources, the foundation of a fast and collaborative disaster response system has begun to form well.
A fast response is not only about speed of time, but also reflects a commitment to human safety and environmental sustainability. With the right strategy and solid collaboration, the government has shown that forest and land fires can be controlled as long as they are handled seriously from the start.
*) Strategic Issue Observer
