MP Urges Government to Be More Vigilant Against Forest Fires Early On
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Rajiv, has urged the government to remain vigilant and prepare early steps to prevent the potential for forest and land fires (karhutla).
“Karhutla is not just a local issue, but a regional one. We must have a collective commitment to prevent it. Therefore, the government must strengthen regional cooperation in anticipating and handling karhutla, including sharing technology and information related to fire mitigation,” Rajiv said in his statement on Wednesday (1/4/2026).
Rajiv also encouraged the Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) to strengthen coordination with local governments that have potential for karhutla ahead of the long dry season in 2026.
“Now there are already roll calls and jamborees, but they must be elevated with real preparedness in the field,” he added.
He cited, for example, Riau Province where hotspots have recently been detected in several regencies.
“Like in Riau, hot spots have started to appear. This must serve as an early warning, especially as we face a dry season expected to last longer,” he said.
In addition, Rajiv mentioned the BMKG’s prediction of a long dry season in 2026 that is expected to be drier in several regions of Indonesia.
“This is a very dangerous combination. The dry season is faster, drier, and longer. BMKG data must serve as a serious alarm for all of us. We must not be caught off guard like in previous years,” he explained.
Not only the weather, Rajiv said that land clearing by burning remains the main contributor to karhutla in the country.
Therefore, according to him, there is a need to optimise early hotspot detection, increase integrated patrols, prepare fire extinguishing facilities early, and manage peatlands sustainably.
Because if this is not anticipated early, it has the potential to trigger large-scale fires that are difficult to control.
On the other hand, Rajiv emphasised the importance of cooperation between the government and law enforcement agencies (APH) in handling karhutla cases caused by intentional elements.
According to him, law enforcement against karhutla perpetrators must be upheld without discrimination.