Indonesia Leads in Preventing Forest and Land Fires Amidst Global Crisis

Jakarta – Indonesia has once again demonstrated its leadership in controlling global climate change. Amid concerns over the increasing number of tropical forest fires in the world, the Indonesian government has actually recorded positive achievements in reducing the rate of primary forest loss. At the regional level, anticipatory steps continue to be taken, one of which is by the West Kalimantan Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) which has now designated more than 300 forest and land fire-prone areas to be monitored intensively.

“We have mapped the vulnerable areas and these areas are spread across a number of districts/cities in West Kalimantan. During this summer, our officers routinely conduct patrols as a form of prevention,” said Head of the West Kalimantan BPBD Information Task Force, Daniel.

This step is part of a national response to a worrying global trend. The latest satellite analysis report reveals that by 2024, the world’s primary forests will experience a loss of 67,000 square kilometers—equivalent to 18 soccer fields every minute. Fires are the dominant cause, surpassing land conversion for agriculture.

Professor Matthew Hansen of the University of Maryland even said the potential for rainforest “savannization” is now increasingly real.

“The idea of ​​a tipping point is increasingly plausible,” he said, highlighting the continued impact of large carbon emissions.

But Indonesia is different. Data from the World Resources Institute (WRI) shows that primary forest loss in Indonesia fell 11% compared to the previous year, despite drought. Elizabeth Goldman of Global Forest Watch called Indonesia a “bright spot in the 2024 data.”

This achievement was strengthened through collaboration between the central government, regional governments, and communities. The forest burning ban program, routine patrols, and initiatives such as the Fire-Free Village continue to be intensified.

Indonesia’s steps are also in the spotlight ahead of the UN Climate Summit COP30 which will be held in the Amazon. Rod Taylor of WRI said that countries like Indonesia deserve support through environmental service compensation schemes.

“We have to change the logic of the global economy. Right now, cutting down forests is more profitable than protecting them. That’s what we have to reverse,” he said.

With preparedness such as in West Kalimantan and success in reducing deforestation, Indonesia is not only maintaining domestic environmental stability, but also making a real contribution to the future of the planet.