InfoSAWIT, PEKANBARU — In response to the surge in forest and land fires (karhutla) in Riau Province, Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, conducted a working visit while leading inter-agency and sector coordination in the affected areas on Wednesday (July 30, 2025).
Quick actions were taken by collaborating with various parties, including BNPB, BMKG, TNI, Polri, the Riau Provincial Government, and district/city governments, to formulate a joint strategy to address the fires that increasingly threaten air quality and peat ecosystems.
However, the main focus was on Minister Hanif's emphasis on the importance of active involvement from the business sector in addressing karhutla. He stated that this responsibility is no longer merely a form of social concern but has become an obligation attached to the concessions they hold.
“In the context of the climate crisis and deteriorating air quality due to land fires, business involvement is no longer social participation but a full responsibility,” emphasized Minister Hanif in an official statement quoted by InfoSAWIT, Monday (August 4, 2025).
Large companies such as PT Riau Andalan Pulp & Paper (RAPP), Sinar Mas Group, Pertamina Hulu Rokan, and PTPN IV Regional III were immediately mobilized to participate in mitigation efforts. Minister Hanif even orchestrated direct coordination to ensure that all efforts are integrated and effective.
According to him, the reactive approach when the fire has already spread must be changed to proactive mitigation. He reminded that prevention is the most effective and responsible step.
“Businesses must be at the forefront, not just as economic actors but also as environmental guardians. We cannot wait for the fire to grow before taking action,” said Hanif in his directives.
As a tangible response, several measures have been implemented. RAPP and Sinar Mas Group have installed no-burning signs in vulnerable areas, activated the Community Fire Awareness program, and deployed water bombing helicopter fleets for early extinguishing. In Rokan Hulu, ground patrols and community-based monitoring have also been strengthened.
Meanwhile, Pertamina Hulu Rokan will begin constructing canal blocks within a week to maintain peat moisture as a preventive measure. The three companies agreed to form a Special Firefighting Team to coordinate emergency actions on the ground quickly and integratively.
From the government side, KLH/BPLH fully supports this by sending additional personnel, fire point monitoring equipment, and strengthening logistics in the field. Minister Hanif also instructed companies to immediately enhance preparedness at high-risk points.
The results of this coordination are reflected in the latest Sipongi data (all satellites) as of July 26, 2025, from 00:00 to 06:46 WIB, which shows, High Category: 0 hotspots, Medium Category: 24 hotspots, distributed in Pelalawan: 12 points, Bengkalis: 6 points, Dumai: 4 points, Rokan Hilir: 2 points.
This achievement indicates that the early detection system is working effectively, with all reports being promptly followed up by the Joint Field Team.
“I do not want to see any concession land burning without a quick response. Every company must activate the early warning system and synergize with the community and the government. If anyone is negligent, we will take firm action,” emphasized Minister Hanif.
He concluded his directives by stressing that concrete collaboration and strong commitment across sectors are the only ways to stop the recurring cycle of karhutla.
“Protecting the environment is not just a legal mandate but a matter of life safety, economic sustainability, and national dignity in the eyes of the world,” he concluded. (T2)
