PALMOILMAGAZINE, SIAK – On a Saturday morning in Siak, Riau, Minister of Environment and Forestry Hanif Faisol Nurofiq walked through rows of oil palm trees—not just as part of a routine visit, but with a growing concern in mind: the persistent threat of forest and land fires (karhutla).
In one of Indonesia’s key palm oil-producing regions, the minister inspected PT Kimia Tirta Utama, a plantation company that had met all required fire prevention standards. The site was equipped with early warning systems, trained personnel, and fire-fighting infrastructure. Hanif acknowledged the progress but made it clear that compliance was not optional.
“If it is incomplete, we will impose government sanctions,” he said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from Antara on Thursday (May 15, 2025). He referred to Law No. 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management. “This is no longer an appeal, it is now an obligation.”
Riau currently holds a troubling record: from January to April 2025, it had the largest area affected by fire indications in Indonesia, totaling around 600 hectares. While the scale hasn’t yet triggered alarm, Hanif emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
“It may be small, but it’s the highest,” he said. Out of the province’s roughly 4 million hectares of oil palm plantations—nearly half of Riau’s territory—only a portion are well-managed.
Hanif stressed the importance of involving local communities. “Invite residents, train them. It’s cost-effective and impactful. Don’t wait for the fire to start before taking action,” he urged, pointing out that communities, often overlooked, are the first line of defense.
His visit to Siak served as more than a routine inspection—it was a symbolic reminder to the entire palm oil industry. Fire prevention is not the responsibility of a few companies alone; it requires collaboration between government, businesses, and communities.
Hanif closed his remarks with a firm message: “If these four million hectares are well managed, God willing, we can reduce the risk of fires. But if we’re negligent, one spark could trigger disaster.”
The palm oil plantations may look lush on the surface, but with dry ground beneath, embers can still smolder. And for Riau, every dry season is a test of preparedness that must not be underestimated. (P2)
Forest Fire Risk Still Looms – Environment Minister Warns Palm Oil Firms: “Don’t Neglect the Four Million Hectares”
PALMOILMAGAZINE, SIAK – On a Saturday morning in Siak, Riau, Minister of Environment and Forestry Hanif Faisol Nurofiq walked through rows of oil palm trees—not just as part of a routine visit, but with a growing concern in mind: the persistent threat of forest and land fires (karhutla).
In one of Indonesia’s key palm oil-producing regions, the minister inspected PT Kimia Tirta Utama, a plantation company that had met all required fire prevention standards. The site was equipped with early warning systems, trained personnel, and fire-fighting infrastructure. Hanif acknowledged the progress but made it clear that compliance was not optional.
“If it is incomplete, we will impose government sanctions,” he said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from Antara on Thursday (May 15, 2025). He referred to Law No. 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management. “This is no longer an appeal, it is now an obligation.”
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Riau currently holds a troubling record: from January to April 2025, it had the largest area affected by fire indications in Indonesia, totaling around 600 hectares. While the scale hasn’t yet triggered alarm, Hanif emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
“It may be small, but it’s the highest,” he said. Out of the province’s roughly 4 million hectares of oil palm plantations—nearly half of Riau’s territory—only a portion are well-managed.
Hanif stressed the importance of involving local communities. “Invite residents, train them. It’s cost-effective and impactful. Don’t wait for the fire to start before taking action,” he urged, pointing out that communities, often overlooked, are the first line of defense.
His visit to Siak served as more than a routine inspection—it was a symbolic reminder to the entire palm oil industry. Fire prevention is not the responsibility of a few companies alone; it requires collaboration between government, businesses, and communities.
Hanif closed his remarks with a firm message: “If these four million hectares are well managed, God willing, we can reduce the risk of fires. But if we’re negligent, one spark could trigger disaster.”
The palm oil plantations may look lush on the surface, but with dry ground beneath, embers can still smolder. And for Riau, every dry season is a test of preparedness that must not be underestimated. (P2)
