Expert Calls for Firm, Objective Enforcement over Forest and Land Fires
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Environmental and forestry law expert Sadino has called for firm, evidence-based enforcement over forest and land fires to protect the environment and provide legal certainty for businesses.
Speaking in Jakarta on Tuesday, he said government action against violations should be accompanied by investigations that explain the grounds for sanctions and each company’s responsibilities.
“Enforcement must be firm against those who violate the rules. The basis for action must also be clear, including data, field evidence and obligations that have not been met, so that sanctions are applied appropriately and fairly,” he said, commenting on the government’s administrative sanctions policy. The measures include suspending permits alongside requiring the restoration of forest ecosystems, ordering restoration, and revoking permits from companies linked to fires.
Sadino said investigations should cover the causes of fires, the condition of affected areas, the readiness of fire-control equipment and facilities, and the company’s actions before and during a fire, so that each case can be assessed comprehensively.
If there is suspicion that a fire originated outside a concession, he said, this should be tested through field investigations and verifiable evidence. Investigators should also assess whether permit holders have fulfilled their obligations to prevent and tackle fires.
“The source of the fire must be traced, while companies’ obligations to prevent and control fires must still be examined. Both are necessary to assess each party’s responsibility under the applicable rules,” he said.
Sadino said clear grounds for enforcement would strengthen confidence in the rule of law and give businesses guidance on improving compliance. Cases should also be accompanied by monitoring of environmental restoration obligations.
“Remember that most fires occur in open-access areas, and the areas around concessions are also intertwined with people’s lives and activities. On closer examination, suspending and revoking permits could instead create areas that people can occupy and take control of at any time. The impact would certainly not be better,” he said.
Meanwhile, Erwansyah, deputy chair of the Indonesian Forest Entrepreneurs Association (APHI) for legal affairs, public relations and co-operation, said objective law enforcement and stronger fire prevention on the ground would provide legal certainty and greater certainty for business continuity.
“APHI supports objective law enforcement and transparent investigations so companies understand the grounds for sanctions and the corrective measures they must fulfil,” he said.
He said legal certainty was needed to give companies clear guidance on their forest-protection obligations, improve preparedness and follow up on the results of government inspections.
Erwansyah said companies also faced potential losses from fires, including damage to crops and facilities and disruption to production. These risks needed to be addressed through co-operation on fire control across areas both inside and around concessions.
“Companies’ prevention and firefighting efforts need to be thoroughly examined and documented. All permit holders must also ensure they have personnel, equipment, water sources, and early-detection and response systems ready,” Erwansyah said.
He called for stronger co-ordination between companies, the government, law enforcement agencies, Manggala Agni and communities to speed up information-sharing and fire response. He added that support for land clearing without burning should be expanded to reduce fire risks at their source.
“Stronger corporate compliance, transparent law enforcement and co-operation on fire control at the landscape level are expected to prevent recurring fires, protect public health, and safeguard environmental sustainability and economic activity,” he said.