Indonesia moves to restrict land clearing by burning

The Indonesian government is moving to tighten regulations regarding land clearing through burning. Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat indicated plans to revise the Environmental Protection and Management Law (UU PPLH) to remove exceptions that currently allow indigenous communities to use traditional burning practices. Hidayat noted that even small-scale burning, such as under 2 hectares, often becomes uncontrollable during dry weather and expressed concern that corporations might exploit these exceptions to avoid the costs of sustainable land clearing.

To support this transition, the government aims to promote sustainable land management practices that could qualify for climate funding. Meanwhile, President Prabowo has issued Presidential Instruction Number 11 of 2026, which mandates that any traditional burning must receive government recommendations and assistance. The President also intends to revoke regional regulations that permit burning for land clearing.

In a separate enforcement action, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni announced that five to six additional companies are facing the freezing or revocation of their permits due to involvement in forest and land fires (karhutla). This follows previous actions against 26 companies. The Minister emphasized that sanctions will target both small and large-scale enterprises to create a deterrent effect and protect communities from the impacts of fires.