Indonesia reinforces corporate responsibility in wildfire mitigation

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening wildfire mitigation efforts, ensuring that corporations and regional administrations share responsibility for keeping peatlands wet and managing canal blocks in coordination with local communities.

In a statement received here on Thursday, he underscored the importance of ensuring the active participation of regional governments and local communities in efforts to rewet fire-prone peatlands and provide adequate firefighting infrastructure.

“I have spoken with the governor and companies holding concession areas,” he said after attending a coordination forum on wildfire mitigation in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Wednesday (Oct. 14).

Diaz noted that the governor of South Sumatra would issue a directive requiring local administrations and relevant stakeholders to coordinate with residents on plans to build canal blocks and install pumps as part of efforts to protect peatlands from fire risks.

He further stressed that corporations are required to avoid damaging natural ecosystems and comply with environmental regulations and standards.

The Environment Ministry has also held discussions with 43 companies holding concession permits on wildfire-affected land in South Sumatra.

“Our ministry has identified locations for canal blocks and communicated with 43 companies in South Sumatra. In principle, they have agreed to contribute through the construction of canal blocks and the provision of centrifugal pumps to draw water from rivers,” Diaz said.

He further assured the public that the Environment Ministry would continue taking legal action against parties suspected of violating regulations related to forest and land fires.

To date, the ministry has sealed the facilities of 57 companies across Indonesia, including 12 in South Sumatra, and is continuing in-depth investigations into the cases.