Indonesian Child Protection Agency Urges Stronger Measures Against Forest Fires

The Indonesian Child Protection Agency (KPAI) is demanding more robust action from both central and regional governments to safeguard children as forest and land fires flare up again across the archipelago. KPAI Vice Chair Jasra Putra stressed that the unpredictable and dynamic nature of these fires means authorities cannot simply wait for air quality to deteriorate before intervening.

"We cannot treat forest and land fires as an event to be handled only when the smoke becomes thick. Uncertainty should make regional governments even more prepared. Children must not be the ones waiting for protection only when the situation worsens," Putra stated in a written release.

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We cannot treat forest and land fires as an event to be handled only when the smoke becomes thick. Uncertainty should make regional governments even more prepared. Children must not be the ones waiting for protection only when the situation worsens.

KPAI has observed that the fires' impact is reaching various aspects of children's lives, affecting their health and education. In Pontianak, for instance, online learning was implemented from August 12-29, with further evaluation pending. Similar measures were taken in Pekanbaru and Palembang, where schools adjusted schedules and distance learning was extended to mitigate smoke exposure.

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This shows that forest and land fires are directly intersecting with children's rights, especially the right to health, education, a healthy environment, and public services.

Putra emphasized that these fires directly infringe upon children's rights to health, education, a healthy environment, and public services. KPAI advocates for regional governments, especially in fire-prone areas, to develop specific child protection protocols for such emergencies. He urged them to move beyond reactive measures and adopt anticipatory strategies, preparing response scenarios based on air quality, wind direction, and health reports.

"We must shift from a reactive pattern to an anticipatory one. We shouldn't wait until children start experiencing widespread respiratory problems before we act. We shouldn't wait until schools are no longer viable before considering alternative learning methods," Putra added. KPAI also called for integrated early warning systems, connecting data from various agencies like BMKG, BPBD, Health, and Education departments, to facilitate timely decisions.

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We must shift from a reactive pattern to an anticipatory one. We shouldn't wait until children start experiencing widespread respiratory problems before we act. We shouldn't wait until schools are no longer viable before considering alternative learning methods.