APHI-GAPKI Call for Strengthened Forest Fire Prevention Amid Dry Season

Indonesian forestry and palm oil industry associations are calling for heightened preparedness and strengthened preventive measures against forest and land fires as the dry season intensifies. The Indonesian Forestry Entrepreneurs Association (APHI) and the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) are urging companies to bolster early detection systems, conduct regular patrols, ensure personnel and equipment readiness, and improve coordination with local communities and regional governments in fire-prone zones.

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We urge all APHI members to increase vigilance and not wait until a fire occurs. Conduct early detection, routine patrols, check water sources, ensure equipment and personnel are ready, and immediately respond to any detected hotspots.

Soewarso, Chairman of APHI, emphasized the need for companies holding Forest Utilization Business Permits (PBPH) to be fully prepared. "We urge all APHI members to increase vigilance and not wait until a fire occurs. Conduct early detection, routine patrols, check water sources, ensure equipment and personnel are ready, and immediately respond to any detected hotspots," he stated. Soewarso also stressed the importance of inter-agency coordination, including with Manggala Agni (forest fire brigades), regional disaster management agencies, local governments, law enforcement, and neighboring companies, as forest fires disregard administrative and concession boundaries.

APHI also advocates for increased community engagement through education on fire-free land clearing methods, strengthening community fire prevention groups, joint patrols, and providing alternative economic opportunities. "Forest and land fire prevention cannot be done solely from within company areas. The community must be involved as a key partner because they are closest to the locations and can be the front line in detecting and preventing fires," Soewarso added.

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Forest and land fire prevention cannot be done solely from within company areas. The community must be involved as a key partner because they are closest to the locations and can be the front line in detecting and preventing fires.

Similarly, Eddy Martono Rustamadji, Chairman of GAPKI, called on all member palm oil companies to enhance their readiness. This includes ensuring no land clearing or processing occurs through burning and strengthening surveillance within and around plantation areas. "We ask GAPKI members to ensure all prevention systems are functioning well, from hotspot monitoring, field patrols, and fire-fighting team readiness to equipment, water sources, and coordination with communities and regional stakeholders," Eddy said. He highlighted that preventing forest and land fires is a collective responsibility due to their far-reaching impacts on the environment, public health, social activities, the economy, and business sustainability.

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We ask GAPKI members to ensure all prevention systems are functioning well, from hotspot monitoring, field patrols, and fire-fighting team readiness to equipment, water sources, and coordination with communities and regional stakeholders.