Hanura Urges Firm Sanctions for Forest Fire Perpetrators, Highlights Smoke Reaching Malaysia

The Central Executive Board of the Hanura Party is urging President Prabowo Subianto to impose firm sanctions on the perpetrators of forest and land fires (karhutla) that are still spreading across Kalimantan and Sumatra.

Hanura Party Deputy Chairman Patrice Rio Capella is troubled because forest and land fires appear to have become an annual affliction, typically occurring between August and October. Yet, he noted, such cases could be anticipated earlier.

“Forest and land fires occur almost every year, whether large or small. They should be anticipated, whether by regional governments, the public, or the central government,” Rio said in a statement on Monday (24/8).

On the other hand, he said, the fires also affect neighbouring countries, and have now caused a number of schools in Malaysia to be closed. He expressed concern because this reflects Indonesia’s image in the eyes of its neighbours.

“If it becomes a national issue, to the point that 15 schools in Malaysia are closed because of the smoke, this can reflect the face of Indonesia abroad,” he said.

He hopes the government will take serious steps to ensure the problem does not keep recurring. Rio also reminded the public not to carry out illegal burning.

According to him, enforcement should not stop at statements, but must be realised through legal processes and prevention on the ground.

“It should not be the case that the President later declares he will take firm action, but once it is over, the firm action turns out not to exist,” he said.

As of Sunday (22/8), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded that the total area of forest and land fires nationwide had reached 72,798 hectares, with the province with the largest affected area being West Kalimantan at 38,310 hectares.

The remainder is spread across Riau with 16,249.24 hectares, South Kalimantan with 8,019.62 hectares, Central Kalimantan with 7,634.46 hectares, South Sumatra with 1,926.23 hectares, and Jambi with approximately 658.29 hectares.