Forestry Minister: Social forestry also plays a role in preserving forest areas
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Forestry Minister Raja Antoni has reminded social forestry permit holder groups to share responsibility for preserving forests, including from the risk of forest and land fires.
“This is part of our policy to keep forests sustainable, while still allowing surrounding communities to access them, as well as being our way of managing conflict and providing clear responsibility in the area,” said Forestry Minister Raja Antoni in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He cited the example of Berau, East Kalimantan, where six social forestry approval certificates were received by community groups, one of which was the Lobang Beloh Village Forest Management Institution (LPHD) covering 4,962 hectares and involving 85 households.
To that group, Raja Antoni advised that the area be protected from fire and used productively.
“Please protect it from fire and make the land productive,” he said.
A similar message was conveyed to LPHD Tebangan Lembak Dulun Batu Mate in East Kutai, which received approval for an area of 4,693 hectares for 138 households.
Minister Raja Antoni even reminded them of the consequences if the granted area instead becomes a source of fire.
“My message is the same: do not let this place become a fire hotspot, otherwise I will reluctantly revoke the decree,” he stressed.
In addition to those two groups, social forestry approval was also granted to KTH Pilinjau Lestari Squad covering 28 hectares for 23 households.
Furthermore, KTH Sungai Alun Lestari in Bulungan covers 1,350 hectares for 90 households; LD Mara Satu in Bulungan covers 748 hectares for 475 households; and LD Mara Hilir covers 152 hectares for 212 households.
Minister Raja Antoni asked all parties to protect forests from the threat of forest and land fires amid this year’s very strong El Niño phenomenon.
He also reminded the public not to carry out land clearing and other activities that could trigger fires in forest areas.
“Even small things like discarding cigarette butts can cause a fire,” said the minister.