Enviro News Asia, Pelalawan – The Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) has moved swiftly to strengthen forest and land fire (karhutla) mitigation through inclusive water governance. Minister of Environment/Head of BPLH Moh. Jumhur Hidayat conducted a direct field inspection of a water-sharing system and science-based emissions monitoring at the operational area of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) in Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province, demonstrating KLH/BPLH’s concrete commitment to maintaining national peat hydrology while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Minister Jumhur stressed that the primary key to long-term karhutla prevention is the integration of equitable water management that extends beyond corporate concession areas to also reach surrounding community land.
“We are seeing disaster mitigation for land fires and collaboration between corporations and communities. And today we are also seeing how the first element, namely water sharing with communities, ensures that peatlands are watered not only within concession areas but also in community areas. That is what is happening here,” Minister Jumhur said.
During the inspection, peat water management is carried out through zone division based on land elevation uniformity. Hydrological infrastructure, including the construction and maintenance of canal blocks and water level monitoring, is continuously refined to keep peat conditions saturated and minimize fire risk.
As the authority responsible for environmental oversight, KLH/BPLH also paid close attention to the transparency of scientific data in climate change mitigation. At the site, Minister Jumhur directly observed the operation of a GHG monitoring tower designed to detect the flow rates of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄). The real-time hydrological and emissions data collected serves as an important foundation for KLH/BPLH in formulating sustainable land management strategies.
Responding to the importance of data and research in environmental management, RAPP President Director Sihol Aritonang reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continuing support for the national environmental agenda.
“RAPP is committed to continuing to play a role in supporting the national environmental agenda, including through sustainable peatland management and fire prevention efforts. We also support the development of Indonesian research and science in the field of tropical peatland management, including emissions measurement, as a foundation for science-based management policies and practices,” Sihol said.
Beyond land-based concerns, the KLH/BPLH working visit also highlighted the clean energy transition through an inspection of solar panel installations with a total capacity of 50 MW. Notably, this renewable energy project makes use of a closed landfill site, a land optimization step fully aligned with the principles of sustainable development.
Through the integration of water management, science-based emissions monitoring, and a transition to clean energy, KLH/BPLH is confident that Indonesia can continue reducing carbon emissions while protecting communities from the threat of karhutla haze. (*)
