South Sumatra companies urged to bolster forest fire prevention

Diaz Faisal Malik Hendropriyono, the Deputy Minister of Environment/Environmental Control Agency, has called on companies operating in South Sumatra to strengthen forest and land fire (karhutla) prevention and mitigation efforts. During a coordination meeting in Palembang, Hendropriyono emphasized that central and local governments cannot address these recurring annual issues alone and require private sector cooperation, particularly from companies with concessions in high-risk areas.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that fire management must be tailored to regional characteristics. In peatland areas, where fire can spread beneath the surface, traditional methods like weather modification or aerial water spraying are insufficient. He stated that peatlands must be kept wet to prevent fires, suggesting the construction of canal blocks to retain water.

Furthermore, Hendropriyono urged companies to support the development of water management infrastructure, such as identifying nearby rivers as water sources and providing water intake points and pumps to maintain peatland moisture. He noted that while such infrastructure development has faced some resistance, corporate contribution is essential to prevent future fire incidents.