Komnas HAM Urges Forest and Land Fire Management to Protect Rights of Affected Citizens
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Commission on Human Rights (Komlag HAM) has requested that the central and regional governments strengthen the management of forest and land fires (karhutla) in Sumatra and Kalimantan by ensuring the protection and recovery of the rights of affected citizens.
Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah, in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday, stated that forest fires are not only related to forest and land degradation but also impact the fulfilment of people’s rights to a clean and healthy environment, health, livelihoods, education, food, and water.
Komnas HAM noted that the government reported the total burnt area nationally reached approximately 107,000 hectares up to mid-August 2026. Current fire management is being prioritised in six provinces: Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan.
Based on data gathered by Komnas HAM from government agencies, civil society organisations, and news monitoring, the BMKG detected 1,104 hotspots across nine provinces in Sumatra on 22 August 2026. South Sumatra recorded the highest concentration, with 528 hotspots.
During the same period, the BNPB recorded burnt areas of approximately 16,249 hectares in Riau and 1,926 hectares in South Sumatra. In Kalimantan, the Ministry of Forestry recorded 518 high-confidence hotspots in West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan on 19 August 2026.
Cumulatively, 750 high-confidence hotspots were detected in those three provinces between 17 and 19 August 2026. BNPB noted that the burnt area in West Kalimantan reached about 38,310 hectares from January to August 2026, while Central Kalimantan reached approximately 4,115 hectares as of 19 August 2026.
“Forest fires cannot be viewed merely as natural events. There are human activities, land and forest management, supervision, law enforcement, and climate conditions that must be viewed holistically,” said Anis.
Komnas HAM noted that more than three million citizens in 3ought 37 regencies/cities were directly exposed to haze due to forest fires, according to Ministry of Health data as of 21 August 2026. This condition is assessed to potentially limit community activities and livelihoods, as well as hinder educational activities, with vulnerable groups requiring greater protection.
In addition to protecting citizens, Komnas HAM requested that the government strengthen prevention through peatland hydrological restoration, verified early warning systems, air quality standards based on WHO guidelines, and performance indicators subject to public oversight.
An evaluation of licensing and concession management, particularly in peatland areas, is also deemed necessary, involving local and indigenous communities.
Regarding law enforcement, the National Police (Polri) are handling 89 reports of alleged forest fire crimes across nine regional police departments and have named 72 individuals as suspects between 1 January and 21 August 2026.
Komnas HAM requested that the legal process reach all parties proven to be responsible, including the potential involvement of financiers, corporations, and beneficial owners.
“Recovery must not wait for the legal process to conclude. The state must ensure that the community receives their rights to a clean and healthy environment, health, livelihoods, education, and psychosocial support, while those proven responsible must still undergo the legal process,” said Anis.
Komnas HAM also requested that the government disclose information regarding fire distribution, air quality, land status and usage, and the progress of legal proceedings on a regular and easily accessible basis for the public.
The commission believes that transparency of information is vital to enable the public to conduct oversight, obtain adequate information, and access recovery efforts effectively.