Dian Ary Kurniawan, Climate & Conservation Management Manager of Astra Agro, explained that the company has a zero-burning policy as outlined in its Sustainability Aspiration.
“Therefore, we were able to record zero land fires in all subsidiary areas last year,” said Dian in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.
This zero-burning policy is maintained to effectively eliminate all potential fire risks across subsidiaries and is implemented throughout the supply chain.
Additionally, Dian mentioned that the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the Fire Management System has been communicated to all subsidiaries, and regular monitoring is conducted to ensure proper implementation of this fire management system.
The implementation of SOPs in each subsidiary is validated by external parties, including the military/police, BPBD, LKH Office, and Manggala Agni, to ensure the readiness of teams, facilities, infrastructure, and fire prevention strategies that adhere to the standards set by Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 5 of 2018. This validation confirms that the subsidiaries are prepared to face the dry season.
Efforts to prevent and manage forest fires play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and improving the welfare of surrounding communities.
“Prevention is carried out through identifying vulnerable areas based on historical hotspot data and community activities, supported by an early warning system,” said Dian during the visit of Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq to Astra Agro’s subsidiary, PT Kimia Tirta Utama (KTU), in Siak, Riau. This visit also included a consolidation of personnel and equipment readiness for land fire control.
He explained that preparedness involves training, simulations, and the construction of infrastructure such as watchtowers and water sources. Early detection and extinguishing fires are part of a rapid response. Furthermore, partnerships with the community are fostered through joint patrol activities.
To address fire risks originating from outside the concession, Dian stated that the company is working to expand the guarding area by forming and training Fire Care Communities (MPA) in the areas surrounding the company. This team is provided with training and facilities in accordance with Minister of Agriculture Regulation (Permentan) Number 6 of 2025, which pertains to opening and/or processing plantation land without burning.
Meanwhile, Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized the importance of involving all parties in preventing fire hotspots during the dry season.
“We want this readiness to be implemented across all locations,” said the minister.
He added that the handling of forest and land fires would be conducted seriously and repressively, as mandated by law. Therefore, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is eager to coordinate with all stakeholders and involve members of the Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Association (GAPKI).
Consequently, the minister urged palm oil companies to join GAPKI to facilitate land fire management.
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