Government Holds Coordination Meeting For Handling Karhutla, Ensures Law Enforcement For Rogue Companies

Photo via Ministry of Environment and Forestry

JAKARTA - The government held a Special Coordination Meeting (Rakorsus) to combat forest and land fires (Karhutla). The government affirms law enforcement instruments.

"We anticipate that Karhutla will focus on 3 things, namely coordination as we are doing today, then preparing technology such as water booming and Weather Modification Technology (TMC), as well as identifying the right time and place for the deployment of equipment and personnel," said Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD at a press conference, Thursday, July 28.

Mahfud said, in the last five years, the handling of forest and land fires has gone well. A number of indicators are the impact of forest and land fires, all of which have decreased considerably.

Starting from the smoke caused by forest and land fires, the fire area has decreased considerably, and the ARI can be said to be non-existent.

In addition, there are no transboundary haze incidents, and delays or closures of transportation infrastructure due to forest and land fires.

"Therefore, we will take care of this, one of which was coordination, technology, which is supported by local wisdom, such as land management without burning accompanied by regulation and assistance," said Mahfud.

Another aspect that is no less important is law enforcement. Mahfud emphasized that the government would take firm action through the approach of state administrative law, civil law, and criminal law.

Regarding law enforcement, Mahfud delivered a message openly to corporations. The government has the authority to carry out state administrative legal actions such as revocation of permits or other administrative sanctions.

"Therefore, let's work together, in addition to getting the right for business activities, and being licensed by the state, corporations also have an obligation to protect this country from disaster. We are serious, so don't play games," he said.

Furthermore, Mahfud reminded that Indonesia will host the G20 meeting this year, the peak of which will be held in November 2022. Meanwhile, based on predictions, the peak of the dry season will occur in August-September and wind movements at the end of October will point to the Northwest and North.

This condition must be a concern of all parties so that forest and land fires do not occur, especially those that cause transboundary smoke.