Students Protest Against South Sumatra Governor Over Forest Fire Crisis
Students from Sriwijeral University (Unsri) have issued a ‘red card’ to the Governor of South Sumatra, Herman Deru, regarding the handling of forest and land fires (karhutla) that have left Palembang shrouded in haze. The red card serves as a form of student criticism regarding the increasingly alarming air quality in Sumatra, highlighting that the community has been suffering from haze for months.
“We are giving a red card to South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru. Today, the air in Sumatra is dangerous. We have been experiencing this for months and there has been no follow-up,” said the President of Unsri Students, Muhammad Gebri, during an oration at the South Sumatra Governor’s office in Palembang on Monday (5/10/2026).
Gebri stated that students believe various issues faced by the public have not been addressed by the government. He questioned how long such conditions would be allowed to persist, expressing fear that South Sumatra would remain perpetually engulfed in smoke if immediate action is not taken.
Through his official Instagram account, Herman Deru stated that the government is not remaining idle in the face of this disaster. Various efforts are being undertaken to achieve the best results in managing forest fires and protecting the public, particularly since South Sumatra was placed on forest fire alert on 22 April 2026.
According to Herman, approximately 12,000 personnel from the Forest and Land Fire Task Force are working in the field, supported by helicopters for suppression efforts. The government also continues to monitor weather conditions and potential rain clouds as a basis for conducting Weather Modification Operations (OMC).
“OMC in South Sumatra has been conducted since May 2026 and efforts continue whenever atmospheric conditions allow. Implementation depends heavily on the presence and movement of clouds that meet the requirements for seeding, based on BMKG analysis,” said Herman.
Regarding President Prabowo Subianto’s assistance for fire management, Herman noted that the funds cannot be used like personal money; usage must follow procurement mechanisms, technical guidelines, and central government regulations to ensure accountability.
For teaching and learning activities, a circular was issued on 31 August regarding the implementation of learning amidst the fire conditions. The choice between distance learning (PJJ) or face-to-face learning has been delegated to educational institutions to decide based on environmental conditions and student safety.
Regarding law enforcement, Herman emphasised that the process of proving and acting against perpetrators is the authority of law enforcement agencies. He stated that the regional government continues to coordinate and is awaiting the results of these processes.
For companies proven to have committed violations, he admitted to instructing regional heads with licensing authority to follow up, up to the revocation of permits. “If the permit is at the provincial level, we will process its revocation immediately. If the authority lies with the central government, the South Sumatra Provincial Government will provide recommendations to the BPN (National Land Agency) accordingly,” he added.
Furthermore, he apologised if the government’s efforts are still deemed insufficient, but pledged to continue working, coordinating, and evaluating to improve fire management. “Let us work together to protect the environment. The government, community, business world, students, and all elements of society share the same role in preventing and managing forest fires,” concluded Herman.