Minister Of Environment Asks APH To Seal Land If You Find A Karhutla Point

Minister of Environment (LH) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq (right)/ANTARA/Tumpal Andani Aritonang

BANJARBARU - Minister of Environment (LH) Hanif Faisol Nurofiq asked Law Enforcement Officials (APH) in the regions to immediately seal the land if they find forest and land fires (karhutla) points, both owned by individuals and companies.

"Someone caught fire immediately, just seal it, don't hesitate and hesitate, while waiting for an investigation into who set the fire," said Minister of Environment and Forestry Hanif Faisol Nurofiq after the Coordination Meeting for Karhutla Control in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Thursday, August 7.

In the Karhutla coordination meeting in South Kalimantan, he asked APH to act quickly during the investigation process and once the owner comes to inspect the land, he can immediately be questioned for processing.

"At least, this effort is a legal step for early handling," said the Minister of Environment and Forestry.

Hanif also appealed to all provinces to APH from the Regional Police to the Resort Police to provide signs in the burned areas, both owned by individuals and companies, as a form of initial action.

Regarding this forest and land fires, he said, the Ministry of Environment (KLH) does not view the element of intent or negligence, all are leveled and prosecuted if the land is burned, because the land owner is fully responsible and has been regulated in the laws and regulations.

Hanif mentioned several examples of land burned by forest and land fires some time after the fire appeared new palm oil trees.

He stressed that incidents like this should be of concern, especially increasing APH supervision of the company's lands.

In addition, Hanif also reminded regional regulations (perda) that allow the opening of a maximum land of two hectares by burning to be revoked as directed by the center.

"Especially if it is dry or during the emergency alert of forest and land fires, this is absolutely not allowed to clear land by burning," said Hanif.