UI Chancellor Requests Permission To Review Forest Conversion To Minimize Disaster Risk

Depok, Chancellor of the University of Indonesia (UI) Prof. Heri Hermansyah asked the government to review the forest conversion permit for commercial activities. He considered that the evaluation of permits was very important to prevent similar disasters in the future.

Heri delivered the statement through a press statement received in Depok, Sunday, December 7. He emphasized that water buffer areas must receive maximum protection from excessive exploitation.

According to Heri, disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra show the importance of preserving the forest. He considered the large number of logs during flash floods as evidence of forest destruction.

"The government needs to review forest conversion permits, especially in areas that are water/water support flows when the rainfall is high," said Heri Hermansyah.

Heri explained that the disaster was a combination of extreme weather and environmental degradation. He emphasized that the two factors must be handled simultaneously by the government.

"The events in the three provinces are a combination of two things, namely unfriendly weather and natural damage," he asserted.

He asked the government to take firm action against illegal logging practices in forest areas. Heri also emphasized the importance of fair law enforcement without selective logging.

"But what is also important is law enforcement for violations without selective slashing," he said

Heri gave an example of the West Java Government's move to tidy up the flow of water after the initial disaster of the year. He said efforts to maintain forests and review commercial activities needed to be expanded to vulnerable areas.

According to him, this step maintains a natural balance in the affected areas. He considered the approach relevant to areas that are now experiencing disasters.

"All of this is done to maintain natural balance. This can be escalated in remote areas that are currently hit by disasters," he said.

Heri added that UI academics are ready to help the government evaluate the policy of forest conversion. He said academics could accelerate the reforestation strategy in various regions.

"We can help accelerate the reforestation strategy to protect the forest and its contents sustainably," he said.

UI, continued Heri, has a strong commitment to environmental conservation for a long time. He said UI manages tropical city forests that have grown naturally for 30 years.

"UI currently has tropical city forests that have grown naturally for 30 years since moving its main campus to Depok," said Heri.

Heri hopes that government policies will increasingly side with forest protection. He considered that a strong policy would help reduce disaster risk in the future.