InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Farmers Forum (FORTASBI) has urged independent smallholders to increase vigilance ahead of the 2026 dry season, which is expected to arrive earlier and be more severe.

Quote InfoSAWIT from FORTASBI, on Tuesday (21 April 2026), analysis from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) indicates a higher risk of land fires, particularly in the second half of the year.

FORTASBI Chairman Sutiyana emphasized the importance of early mitigation measures to prevent fires in smallholder plantations.

He noted that adherence to sustainable certification principles and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) is essential to minimizing fire risks, particularly by avoiding land-clearing through burning.

Sutiyana added that many independent smallholders within FORTASBI already have experience dealing with prolonged dry seasons, but consistent internal monitoring systems must be strengthened.

FORTASBI hopes that preparedness and sustainable practices will help maintain productivity while protecting the environment from fire threats amid increasingly challenging climate conditions. (T2)