Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar proposes involving Islamic boarding schools in forest fire prevention

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar has proposed involving Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in forest and land fire (karhutla) prevention efforts in South Kalimantan. He noted that these institutions often possess a natural concern for environmental preservation and can act as a preventative force through local wisdom.

Iskandar urged the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Forestry, and local governments to integrate pesantren into forest protection strategies. He emphasized that forest management should not rely solely on government policy but should actively involve local communities and religious institutions to ensure long-term sustainability.

In addition to policy proposals, Iskandar provided aid to firefighters, volunteers, and residents affected by forest fires and haze in South Kalimantan. The assistance included cash, basic food supplies, and the distribution of clean water, masks, and medicine to mitigate the impact of deteriorating air quality.