Indonesia has experienced a significant decrease in forest and land fires in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a 59.4 per cent reduction in fire hotspots based on satellite observations. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry is committed to ongoing fire control efforts to ensure stability ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Prabowo Subianto on Oct 20. However, environmental activists have criticized outgoing President Joko Widodo’s administration for failing to effectively manage forest and land fires during his nine years in office, impacting over 7.6 million hectares despite enforcement efforts.
President Widodo has previously warned police and military officials about preventing large fires from spreading during the dry season, threatening their job security if fires reoccur. The dry season in Indonesia typically runs from April to October. The largest burned areas in 2024 were reported to be in East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Java, totaling over 140,000 hectares on mineral land. Carbon emissions from forest and land fires from January to September reached 41.2 million tons of carbon dioxide, with a significant portion coming from peat fires below ground.
To optimise fire control efforts, eight provinces have declared a state of emergency alert for forest and land fires, including Riau, South Sumatra, and East Kalimantan. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry continues to monitor and deploy resources to combat fires effectively. The decrease in the number of fire hotspots in 2024 is seen as a positive development in addressing the issue of forest and land fires in Indonesia. However, challenges remain in managing and preventing fires across the country, especially during the dry season when the risk of fires is higher.
Efforts to control and prevent forest and land fires include improved monitoring through satellite observations, increased enforcement measures, and public awareness campaigns. Amid criticisms of the government’s handling of forest fires, there is a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of the issue, such as illegal logging and land clearing practices. Collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and environmental organizations is essential to combatting the problem and protecting Indonesia’s valuable forests and biodiversity.
With ongoing initiatives and coordination at the national and local levels, Indonesia aims to reduce the impact of forest and land fires and ensure sustainable forest management practices. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s commitment to fire control efforts reflects a broader national agenda to safeguard the country’s natural resources and mitigate the effects of climate change. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to forest fires and implementing proactive measures, Indonesia can work towards a future where forest and land fires are effectively managed and reduced to protect the environment and the well-being of its people.
