InfoSAWIT, PALEMBANG — As drought begins to hit South Sumatra, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq issued a stern warning to palm oil companies: prepare concrete measures to prevent land and forest fires (karhutla), or face strict state sanctions.
The warning was delivered during a Consolidation of Karhutla Preparedness event held at Aryaduta Hotel Palembang on Saturday. Hanif gave concession holders a two-week deadline to report their preparedness, including personnel, equipment, and fire mitigation budgets.
“If no report is submitted, we will impose administrative sanctions in the form of government coercion. This is mandated by Law No. 32 of 2009. If necessary, we will pursue criminal sanctions,” he said, as reported by InfoSAWIT from Kompas on Monday (26/5/2025).
This marks a new phase in law enforcement for land management, where the government is no longer just appealing but actively using administrative and criminal measures as oversight tools.
Hanif revealed alarming facts: Indonesia is now the world’s second-largest contributor to transboundary haze. Of the 20 million hectares in South Sumatra, about 25% are concession areas at high risk of fires if not strictly monitored.
“This is not just about business losses. It’s about responsibility for public health and the dignity of Indonesia’s environment,” he added.
Beyond warnings, Hanif also emphasized community-based approaches. He urged palm oil companies to support Fire Care Community Groups (MPA) and tighten access to concession areas to prevent illegal burning.
Susanto, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), acknowledged that fire challenges remain despite training and mitigation efforts. GAPKI has trained 13 batches of personnel and expanded social initiatives, including CCTV monitoring and improving the welfare of communities near concessions.
“We know weather modification alone is not enough. Comprehensive collaboration and preparedness are needed,” he said.
South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru added that the decline in fire cases in recent years shows the success of collaborative efforts. However, he stressed that communities still need support to clear land without burning. “Heavy equipment assistance is one solution,” he said.
The government appears unwilling to wait for fires to escalate before acting. This year, with stricter enforcement and sanctions looming, palm oil industry players are being pushed to transform—from mere economic actors into resilient ecological stewards. (T2)
