KLH Seals 6 Companies In West Kalimantan Related To Forest And Land Fires

PONTIANAK - The government through the Ministry of Environment sealed six companies in West Kalimantan Province suspected of being involved in forest and land fires (karhutla).

"As of this afternoon before I left for West Kalimantan, we have sealed six companies and there are around 17 to 20 other companies that we are currently verifying further. This action is the result of field verification carried out with the West Kalimantan Provincial Government," said the Indonesian Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq in Pontianak, Friday, August 1.

Hanif emphasized that the government will apply the principle oftrict liability in handling forest and land fires cases. This means that sanctions will be imposed regardless of the element of intent in burning.

"Whatever the reason, if it is proven to damage the environment, we will act. This is a firm mandate from Presidential Instruction Number 3 of 2020 which we have also implemented in other provinces such as Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra," he said.

Minister LH stated that his party also encouraged law enforcement officials, especially local police, to follow up on cases of forest and land fires with a criminal approach.

"With a fire area of 149 hectares, this must be investigated seriously. We will also coordinate with the Governor and the West Kalimantan Police Chief to ensure that law enforcement measures run optimally," he said.

Hanif also reminded the public not to burn land, although on a small scale, during the peak period of the dry season which is expected to last until the end of September.

"Based on Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management, the burning of two hectares of land is indeed allowed on a limited basis. However, it does not apply in the dry season as it is now because regional regulations cannot rule out provisions in the law," he said.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry will take firm action against violations, including those committed by the community, in order to prevent a greater ecological disaster.

Meanwhile, the Governor of West Kalimantan, Ria Norsan, said that the six companies that were sealed were spread across three districts, namely Kubu Raya, Sambas, and Mempawah. Currently, the identification and deepening process of each company is still ongoing.

"The local government together with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry are committed to continuing to strictly monitor and verify all plantation and forestry companies in the West Kalimantan region, especially those indicated to have burned land illegally," said Norsan.