InfoSAWIT, PEKANBARU – PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk reaffirmed its commitment to preventing forest and land fires through a strict no-burning policy, while strengthening peatland management and emergency preparedness across its operations in Riau Province.
The commitment was reinforced through the company’s active participation in a wildfire prevention preparedness roll call held in Pekanbaru on Friday (25/4/2026), as part of broader multi-stakeholder coordination ahead of the dry season.
Indonesia’s Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, warned that wildfire risks in 2026 must be anticipated seriously due to projections of a prolonged dry season, compounded by El Niño conditions and declining rainfall.
“Low rainfall and highly vulnerable peat conditions significantly increase drought risk. Riau remains one of the most vulnerable provinces, particularly given that peatlands cover nearly half of its land area and the province has more than 13,000 kilometers of canals,” Hanif said.
Integrated Peatland Monitoring
Responding to the elevated risk, Astra Agro has strengthened mitigation strategies centered on sustainable peatland management.
The company treats peat ecosystems as highly sensitive landscapes that require integrated management to maintain hydrological balance, reduce fire risk, and minimize long-term operational exposure.
Vice President of Corporate Communication, Mochamad Husni, said the company has not opened new land since 2015, whether on peatland or mineral soils.
Instead, Astra Agro has focused on technical land governance through groundwater table monitoring (TMAT), rainfall observation, and subsidence monitoring in accordance with regulations.
“Monitoring results show groundwater levels in our operational areas remain within a healthy range. This strengthens our commitment to maintaining peatland ecological functions sustainably,” Husni said in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Tuesday (28/4/2026).
The company has also intensified operational readiness through regular inspection of firefighting equipment, optimization of watchtowers, construction of water reservoirs, integrated patrols, and technology-based hotspot monitoring to improve early detection and rapid response.
Management added that Astra Agro continues strengthening structured prevention systems through fire brigade training, regular emergency simulations, and long-term mitigation planning.
As part of its anticipatory strategy, the company also conducted in-depth assessments across six fire-prone districts, taking into account landscape, social, and historical hotspot factors.
Through stronger peatland governance, zero-burning implementation, and cross-sector collaboration, Astra Agro aims to reinforce its role in reducing wildfire risks while safeguarding ecosystems and communities in its operational areas. (T2)
