Indonesia forest fires prompt calls for legal reform and infrastructure

Various leaders and experts in Indonesia are calling for improved legal enforcement and infrastructure to combat recurring forest and land fires (karhutla). Hasto Kristiyanto, Secretary General of the PDIP, emphasized that burned forest land must not be converted into plantations, such as palm oil, and called for strict legal sanctions against those responsible.

Legal expert Muhamad Zainal Arifin noted that while sanctions are necessary, they have not effectively prevented fires, particularly since data shows approximately 83 percent of burned land in early 2026 occurred outside of corporate concessions. He suggested that current 'strict liability' policies need evaluation to ensure they drive future prevention.

To improve physical response, Central Java DPRD Chairman Sumanto proposed the construction of small reservoirs (embung) and water channels near high-risk areas like Mount Lawu to assist firefighters. These measures aim to provide reliable water supplies before the dry season begins.