GAPKI Urges Cooperation and Preparedness to Prevent Forest and Land Fires

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) appreciates the issuance of Presidential Instruction Number 11 of 2026 regarding the Strengthening of Enforcement of the Prohibition of Land Clearing by Burning and the Control of Forest and Land Fires. GAPKI believes this directive strengthens collective steps in preventing and managing forest and land fires (karhutla), while simultaneously encouraging preparedness among all stakeholders.

The Presidential Instruction (Inpres) reaffirms the prohibition of land clearing through burning, strengthens coordination and rule enforcement, and more strictly regulates the application of exceptions related to local wisdom. The Inpres also emphasises the importance of the readiness of infrastructure and facilities in the prevention and management of forest and land fires.

GAPKI General Chairman, Eddy Martono, stated that the strengthening of government directives is vital to ensure all parties have a shared understanding and aligned actions in facing the risks of forest and land fires.

“GAPKI appreciates the Government’s direction through Inpres Number 11 of 2026. Preventing forest and land fires requires both preparedness and strong collaboration from all parties. The Government, the business world, authorities, and the community all have complementary roles. Therefore, what we need to continue to strengthen is the spirit of mutual cooperation, coordination, and shared concern so that the potential for fires can be prevented as early as possible,” said Eddy.

GAPKI specifically welcomes the clarification regarding the application of local wisdom, which must be carried out strictly, proportionally, and in compliance with applicable terms and conditions. According to GAPKI, this clarity is essential so that the application of local wisdom remains respected but is not misinterpreted as a general justification for clearing land through burning.

Furthermore, GAPKI views the strengthening of the readiness of infrastructure and facilities for fire control as a crucial part of the Inpres implementation. GAPKI will continue to encourage its member companies to ensure the readiness of resources, personnel, equipment, as well as monitoring and early response systems in accordance with applicable regulations.

“Forest and land fires are an issue that requires the consistent involvement of all parties. No single party can work alone. The stronger the collaboration between the Government, the business world, authorities, and the community, the greater our ability to prevent fires before they spread and to ensure that the issue of forest and land fires does not recur. This is the spirit we must continue to maintain together,” said Eddy.

GAPKI also reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of zero-burning land clearing and sustainable efforts to prevent forest and land fires. Coordination with the Central Government, Regional Governments, and relevant stakeholders will continue to be strengthened to support the implementation of the Inpres.

Through the consistent and collaborative implementation of Presidential Instruction Number 11 of 2026, GAPKI hopes that efforts to prevent and control forest and land fires can become increasingly effective, while simultaneously ensuring public safety, the sustainability of economic activities, and environmental preservation.