Antara News·Indonesia·Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 08:03 AM

Indonesia urges forest permit holders to scale up fire safeguards

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P.T Violleta, Tegar Nurfitra

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry has urged forest utilization permit (PBPH) holders to implement extraordinary safeguards to prevent and contain wildfires as the country faces heightened risks amid El Niño.

“Extreme weather conditions make extraordinary safeguards in concession areas obligatory. Those operating business-as-usual risk being labeled negligent for failing to show seriousness in tackling the crisis,” said Laksmi Wijayanti, director general of sustainable forest management at the ministry.

She made the statement while chairing a coordination meeting to evaluate wildfire responses in PBPH-managed forest areas in Jakarta on Monday (August 24), according to an official statement released Tuesday. The meeting highlighted that 10 percent of PBPH holders have yet to submit mandatory responsibility reports.

Wijayanti urged permit holders to “stand at the forefront” during wildfire outbreaks, emphasizing their responsibility to maintain adequate facilities, deploy early detection systems, actively prevent and report fires, and respond rapidly to incidents.

She stressed that permit holders must move beyond submitting reports and take tangible, measurable actions to mitigate and prevent wildfires.

“Evaluations are currently underway,” she warned, noting that permit holders’ compliance will be assessed based on their responsiveness to government directives, feedback, and warnings.

Speaking to representatives from regional forestry offices, forest business associations, and PBPH holders from across Indonesia, Wijayanti urged companies to maintain transparency, actively exchange information, and collaborate closely.

She added that permit holders are required to document concrete measures to ensure authorities and the public receive vital information regarding forest conditions and fire risks.

On the same occasion, Indonesian Forestry Entrepreneurs Association (APHI) Chairman Soewarso reaffirmed the organization's commitment to fostering cooperation among PBPH holders, including through the shared deployment of firefighting equipment.

He noted that APHI has partnered with permit holders to mobilize heavy machinery, water-bombing helicopters, operational vehicles, and firefighting personnel to support mitigation efforts.

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