GBRAN Calls for Stronger Law Enforcement Against Forest Fires, Cites Jokowi-Era Approach

Jati Erna Sahara, secretary-general of GBRAN's central executive board, said consistent enforcement of regulations and firm action against those found responsible for illegal burning were essential to preventing fires from recurring.

“I have been thinking about these forest fires for a week. It feels as though nature is angry with us. In the past, when President Jokowi managed to curb fires through an effective system, there was firm action against those who failed to comply with state regulations related to the causes of these fires,” Jati said on Saturday.

She said efforts to control forest and land fires should not rely solely on firefighting personnel but also require community participation, environmental awareness and enforcement measures against those responsible for illegal burning.

Dije added that allowing environmental crimes to go unchecked could have consequences for a much wider population, including people who had no involvement in the wrongdoing.

“When wrongdoing and crime are allowed to continue unchecked, disasters can affect anyone in the surrounding environment, even those who are not responsible,” she said.

GBRAN Urges Public to Take Precautions Against Haze

Separately, RM Gusti Haes, head of public relations and inter-agency relations at GBRAN's central executive board, urged residents to remain alert to the health risks posed by smoke from forest and land fires.

He said the haze was not merely an environmental issue but also a threat to public health, safety and daily activities.

“Forest-fire haze is not just an environmental problem; it also concerns public health and safety. We urge residents to remain vigilant, reduce their exposure to smoke and avoid indiscriminate land burning,” Gusti said.

He called on people in affected areas to monitor air-quality information from official sources and limit outdoor activities when air conditions deteriorate. Particular attention should be given to children, older people, pregnant women and those with respiratory conditions.

Residents who must work outdoors should use appropriate respiratory protection and follow health authorities' advice, he said. Anyone experiencing severe breathing difficulties or other serious symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

Gusti also urged the public not to burn rubbish or use fire to clear land. Residents who discover a fire or signs of one should report it immediately to the relevant authorities.

GBRAN also called on local governments and relevant agencies to strengthen hotspot monitoring, accelerate firefighting operations, provide regular air-quality updates and ensure healthcare services are prepared to assist affected communities.

“Combating forest and land fires requires cooperation from all parties. Public safety must come first, while prevention and law enforcement must be carried out in accordance with applicable regulations,” Gusti said.

GBRAN urged the public, government agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen environmental protection efforts and prevent forest and land burning from becoming a recurring problem.

The movement said sustained prevention, law enforcement and public participation were essential to protecting the environment and safeguarding communities across Indonesia. (Jeane Patikawa)