Antara News (17/04/2025) - Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has called on palm oil companies to implement stronger measures to prevent land fires, particularly in their plantation areas.

“All land concession holders are urged to take serious responsibility for their operational areas,” said Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq during a meeting with members of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) on Thursday.

He reminded companies to remain vigilant, noting that between 2015 and 2024, nearly 42,000 hectares of plantation land managed by 79 companies were affected by fires—some of which were repeat incidents.

The focus remains on high-risk regions, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan, though Sulawesi and Papua are also under heightened alert.

“This data shows that palm oil plantation companies still need to strengthen their fire prevention efforts,” Nurofiq emphasized.

The warning comes as the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) reports that several regions are gradually entering the dry season, increasing the risk of wildfires.

According to the Ministry of Environment, between January 1 and April 16, 142 hotspots and 50 confirmed fire spots were detected nationwide.

Read more at https://en.antaranews.com/news/352121/indonesia-urges-palm-oil-firms-to-step-up-land-fire-prevention