Indonesian Forestry Group Backs Prabowo's Move to Revise Land-Burning Rules - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Forest Entrepreneurs Association (APHI) supports President Prabowo Subianto's statement regarding the need to revise regulations that still allow loopholes for land burning, in order to strengthen the prevention of forest and land fires.
"We support President Prabowo's firm stance on revising regulations that still leave loopholes for land burning. Fire recognizes neither ownership boundaries nor administrative limits," said Soewarso, Chairman of the Indonesian Forest Entrepreneurs Association (APHI), in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
According to him, regulatory reform must be accompanied by strengthened supervision, law enforcement, and support for no-burn land clearing methods, ensuring that environmental protection goes hand-in-hand with the sustainability of community livelihoods.
"Burning that begins on a single plot of land can spread and threaten communities, forest areas, and surrounding business operations," said Soewarso, responding to President Prabowo's remarks during a discussion with academics and researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) regarding the handling of forest and land fires—particularly on peatlands—at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday, September 24.
He believes the President's focus on the rule allowing land burning of up to two hectares should serve as a momentum to evaluate the effectiveness of fire prevention policies at the ground level.
Soewarso assesses that regulations permitting the burning of two hectares of land cannot guarantee that the fire will remain under control; therefore, the policy warrants reconsideration and revision.
"Prevention must begin before the fire is even lit. What needs strengthening is not just firefighting readiness, but also land and water management, as well as community support, so that burning ceases to be the go-to option for land clearing," he said.
He added that regulatory reform must go hand-in-hand with reinforcing the responsibilities of all parties—including forestry companies—to prevent and manage fires in accordance with their obligations. Soewarso emphasized the need to align central and regional policies through established mechanisms, ensuring that implementation provides clarity for the public, local governments, and business operators.
APHI hopes the President's directive will serve as a catalyst for strengthening comprehensive forest and land fire prevention efforts—ranging from regulatory improvements to the provision of alternatives to the "slash-and-burn" method of land clearing.
With consistent regulations, clearly defined responsibilities, and tangible support for the community, it is expected that fire risks can be minimized while simultaneously safeguarding public health, the environment, and business sustainability.
