Enviro News Asia, Palembang — Indonesia’s Environment Ministry and Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) is tightening its oversight of companies operating in South Sumatra’s peatland ecosystems to prevent forest and land fires, with Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono urging businesses to comply with environmental regulations and keep peatlands wet.
Diaz delivered the message on Wednesday, Oct. 14, while accompanying Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman at a provincial coordination forum on forest and land fire management in Palembang.
He said the government was promoting the construction and management of canal blocks and water pumps to maintain peatland moisture and reduce fire risks. Local governments and communities would also play a central role in ensuring that the mitigation infrastructure remained effective.
Diaz said he had discussed the initiative with the South Sumatra governor and companies operating in concession areas. The governor would subsequently assign responsibilities to regents and village heads to communicate with local communities about the planned infrastructure and secure public support.
The ministry has also engaged 43 private companies holding concessions in areas affected by forest and land fires in South Sumatra. According to Diaz, the companies had agreed in principle to contribute to peatland rewetting efforts by constructing canal blocks and centrifugal pumps to draw water from rivers.
The measures are intended to strengthen preventive action against fires, which can spread rapidly through drained peatlands and cause prolonged environmental damage.
Alongside prevention, the government is intensifying enforcement against parties suspected of violating environmental laws related to forest and land fires.
Diaz said KLH/BPLH had sealed 57 companies across Indonesia as part of its enforcement efforts, including 12 companies in South Sumatra. Investigations into suspected violations are continuing.
The ministry said stronger supervision, cooperation with concession holders and community involvement were essential to reducing fire risks and ensuring businesses meet their environmental obligations. (*)
