InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) is calling for stronger cooperation and preparedness among government agencies, businesses, security authorities and local communities to prevent and respond to forest and land fires, known locally as karhutla.
The industry association welcomed the government’s issuance of Presidential Instruction No. 11 of 2026, which strengthens enforcement of the ban on land clearing through burning and reinforces forest and land fire control measures.
GAPKI Chairman Eddy Martono said coordinated action is essential because forest and land fires cannot be addressed effectively by a single stakeholder.
“Prevention requires preparedness as well as strong collaboration among all parties,” Eddy said.
Coordinated Response Seen as Critical
According to Eddy, government authorities, businesses, law enforcement agencies and communities each have complementary responsibilities in preventing fires.
He stressed the importance of strengthening coordination and developing a culture of collective responsibility so potential fires can be detected and addressed as early as possible.
GAPKI is also paying close attention to provisions concerning local wisdom in land-clearing practices.
The association said exemptions related to local practices must be interpreted carefully and applied only within the limits and requirements established by prevailing regulations.
The clarification is considered important to ensure that recognition of local wisdom does not create the perception that land clearing through burning is generally permitted.
Palm Oil Companies Urged to Strengthen Fire Preparedness
GAPKI said adequate infrastructure and operational preparedness are crucial components of fire prevention.
The association will continue encouraging its members to ensure that personnel, equipment, resources and early-warning and response systems are ready to operate in accordance with applicable requirements.
The objective is to detect potential fires quickly and prevent them from developing into larger-scale disasters.
“Forest and land fires are an issue that requires the consistent involvement of all parties. No single party can work alone,” Eddy said.
He argued that stronger cooperation between government institutions, businesses, security authorities and communities would improve the collective ability to prevent fires before they spread.
GAPKI Reaffirms Zero-Burning Commitment
GAPKI also reaffirmed its commitment to the zero-burning approach in land clearing.
The organization said prevention and preparedness efforts would continue through stronger coordination with the central government, regional administrations and other stakeholders to support implementation of Presidential Instruction No. 11 of 2026.
Consistent and collaborative implementation of the policy, GAPKI said, could strengthen Indonesia’s ability to prevent and control forest and land fires while protecting communities, economic activity and the environment in areas vulnerable to fire.
The association’s position places greater emphasis on preparedness before fires occur, with companies expected to maintain the resources and systems needed for rapid detection and response. (T2)
