APHI and GAPKI urge joint protocols for forest fire suppression

The Indonesian Forest Entrepreneurs Association (APHI) and the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) are advocating for the establishment of a joint protocol to accelerate the suppression of forest and land fires (karhutla). The goal is to strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure firefighting teams have unimpeded access to fire points.

Proposed collaborators include local communities, private companies, regional governments, the TNI, Polri, Manggala Agni, and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). APHI Chairman Soewarso noted that companies holding forest utilization permits have prepared personnel, command posts, and equipment as part of their prevention obligations. He emphasized that rapid response in the first hours is critical, particularly in peatlands and drought-prone areas, to prevent fires from spreading beyond administrative or concession boundaries.