Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has issued a strong warning to both the public and corporations, urging them to refrain from conducting land clearing activities. The minister emphasized that such practices pose a significant risk of sparking forest and land fires, particularly as the dry season approaches.
Speaking on Monday in Jakarta, Antoni cautioned against the dangerous practice, stating, “The public should not ‘play’ with fire. If they play with fire, they will get burned.” This warning comes amidst government predictions that the dry season in 2026 is expected to commence earlier and persist for a longer duration than usual.
Evidence of this early dry spell has already been observed, with drought conditions affecting parts of Riau and West Kalimantan from January to April 2026. According to the minister, this forecast indicates a more severe threat of forest and land fires in the coming year compared to the previous one.
The Forestry Ministry has initiated collaborative efforts with the National Police to enhance cooperation in preventing and managing land clearing operations. Antoni highlighted that the method of clearing land, often seen as an easy option for communities or companies, remains a persistent and hazardous pattern contributing to environmental damage.
In addition to police coordination, the minister affirmed ongoing efforts to improve collaboration among various related ministries and agencies. This inter-agency approach aims to bolster preparedness and preventative measures against potential forest and land fires. Antoni reiterated the critical need for vigilance among the public, and especially corporations, during any land clearing process, underscoring its direct link to an increased risk of conflagrations.
Source: Original
