InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The debate over traditional land-burning practices has gained renewed attention amid growing concerns about forest and land fires, extreme weather and climate change.

In an opinion article, sustainability analyst Edi Suhardi argues that traditional knowledge and customary practices should not automatically be treated as untouchable when environmental conditions have changed significantly. He contends that practices once considered compatible with local conditions may require reassessment when the risks to public health and ecosystems increase.

Suhardi argues that the increasing pressure from population growth, deforestation and climate change requires a more adaptive approach to customary practices. In his view, cultural values and technical land-management practices should be considered separately so that traditions can be preserved while environmentally harmful practices are reassessed.

Balancing Customary Rights and Environmental Protection

The author points to Indonesia’s constitutional recognition of customary communities while arguing that environmental protection remains an important consideration in the application of customary practices.

He cites Article 18B paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution and references views attributed to legal scholars concerning the position of customary law as a form of living law that can evolve alongside social conditions.

From this perspective, Suhardi proposes greater flexibility in evaluating traditional practices, particularly those associated with land clearing and fire management. He argues that practices developed under different environmental conditions may need to be adapted to current realities, including climate change and changing population density.

Toward Adaptive Local Knowledge

Suhardi concludes that respect for culture does not necessarily require every traditional practice to remain unchanged. He calls for a process of evaluating customary knowledge, retaining practices considered beneficial while modifying those that are no longer appropriate under present conditions.

The article emphasizes that the debate should extend beyond land burning to broader questions surrounding customary land rights, traditional legal practices and their relationship with Indonesia’s modern environmental regulations.

By: Edi Suhardi / Sustainability Analyst

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author and is entirely the responsibility of the author. The views expressed do not represent InfoSAWIT.