{"id":47003,"date":"2026-10-23T18:03:41","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T10:03:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/klscah.org.my\/?p=47003"},"modified":"2026-10-23T18:05:47","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T10:05:47","slug":"joint-memorandum-calling-for-stronger-and-sustained-action-by-the-indonesian-government-to-prevent-forest-and-land-fires-and-end-the-recurring-transboundary-haze-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/klscah.org.my\/en\/2026\/10\/47003.html","title":{"rendered":"JOINT MEMORANDUM: CALLING FOR STRONGER AND SUSTAINED ACTION BY THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT TO PREVENT FOREST AND LAND FIRES AND END THE RECURRING TRANSBOUNDARY HAZE CRISIS"},"content":{"rendered":"

CALLING FOR STRONGER AND SUSTAINED ACTION BY THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT TO PREVENT FOREST AND LAND FIRES AND END THE RECURRING TRANSBOUNDARY HAZE CRISIS<\/strong><\/p>\n

We, the undersigned organisations, wish to convey our deep concern over the recurring forest and land fires in Indonesia and the transboundary haze affecting communities across the region. Over the years, this crisis has posed significant risks to public health, disrupted education and economic activities, undermined people’s livelihoods and well-being across the region, and inflicted lasting damage on forests, peatlands and biodiversity. Yet despite efforts undertaken to address the situation, the problem remains unresolved, and affected countries and communities continue to bear the consequences.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The recurrence year after year remains a serious concern and underscores the urgent need for effective prevention and accountability. We therefore call upon the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to take greater responsibility in strengthening fire prevention, protecting the environment and ensuring those responsible are held accountable under the law. While emergency responses remain essential, they must be complemented by decisive, consistent and sustained actions. Existing policies, regional commitments and enforcement initiatives must be translated into concrete and measurable outcomes. We firmly believe that there are necessary actions to be taken in order to address the fire at its source, ensure effective enforcement against violations, and uphold accountability without exception.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In this regard, we, the undersigned organisations, respectfully submit the following five recommendations to the Government of Indonesia:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Strengthen inter-agency coordination and ensure a rapid response to fires<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    We respectfully urge the Government of Indonesia to strengthen coordination among central and regional governments, environmental authorities, firefighting services and disaster management agencies, with clear lines of responsibility and accountability. Adequate personnel, equipment and resources must be deployed immediately when fires occur, particularly in high-risk areas, to contain them before they spread and cause widespread haze.<\/p>\n

    The government must also strengthen the management and protection of peatlands and other fire-prone areas. Preventable delays, inadequate coordination and failures to mobilise resources must not be allowed to undermine fire response efforts or expose neighbouring countries to the consequences of inadequate action.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Hold companies accountable and strengthen cross-border enforcement cooperation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      We call upon the Government of Indonesia to thoroughly investigate companies suspected of illegal burning, breaches of fire-prevention regulations, or failure to fulfil their responsibilities within their land holdings and concession areas. Where violations are established by evidence, the parties responsible must face firm and proportionate legal consequences. Depending on the severity and recurrence of the offences, authorities must be prepared to impose substantial penalties and review, suspend or revoke relevant operating licences and land concessions.<\/p>\n

      Enforcement must be consistent and impartial. No company should be shielded from accountability because of its size, commercial interests or political connections.<\/p>\n

      Where cases involve multinational companies, overseas-registered entities or cross-border supply chains, we urge the government to actively cooperate with relevant foreign governments and enforcement agencies to identify all parties involved, share evidence and pursue legal action. Corporate structures must not be allowed to become a means of evading responsibility. Operations in areas where fires repeatedly occur must also be subject to rigorous review to determine whether companies have complied with their licence and concession conditions and fulfilled their fire-prevention obligations.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Strengthen fire prevention, monitoring and public disclosure<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        The Government of Indonesia to further strengthen preventive measures, satellite monitoring, ground patrols and early-warning systems, particularly in oil palm plantations, forestry concession areas and peatlands. Prevention must be proactive, continuous and focused on high-risk areas, rather than dependent on action taken only after fires have spread.<\/p>\n

        Information on fire hotspots, the progress and findings of investigations, the identities of companies or operators involved, and enforcement actions and outcomes must be disclosed to the public promptly. Such information must not be withheld indefinitely or obscured by administrative procedures. Public disclosure is essential to establishing responsibility, enabling independent scrutiny and ensuring that preventive measures are implemented rather than merely announced.<\/p>\n

        The government must also publish reliable data on fire incidents and enforcement outcomes so that the public can assess whether its measures are producing real improvements.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Prioritise public health and strengthen support for affected communities<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          We urge the Government of Indonesia to prioritize public health in its response to fires and haze pollution, and provide timely and accurate air-quality information, clear health-risk warnings and practical protective guidance, while ensuring that affected communities have access to necessary medical assistance and protective measures. The health risks faced by children, older people, outdoor workers and other vulnerable groups must not be underestimated or neglected.<\/p>\n

          At the same time, the government must provide meaningful and sustained support to local communities, farmers and indigenous peoples whose livelihoods depend on forests and land. This should include fire-prevention education, technical assistance, alternative farming methods and sustainable livelihood options. Addressing the circumstances that drive open burning is essential, but it must never become an excuse to absolve companies or other parties of their legal responsibilities.<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Strengthen regional cooperation and establish measurable accountability mechanisms<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            We urge the Government of Indonesia to fulfil its commitments under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. Cooperation and mutual understanding with Malaysia and other ASEAN member states must go beyond declarations and meetings to include timely sharing of hotspot information and environmental data, technical exchanges, joint preparedness and effective cross-border emergency cooperation.<\/p>\n

            Clear implementation targets, timelines, and regular review mechanisms must be established. Governments involved must publicly report progress and outcomes, supported by reliable and verifiable data. Regional cooperation must be measured by actual reductions in fires and haze, effective enforcement against those responsible, and demonstrable improvements in the protection of public health and the environment.<\/p>\n

            While economic development, job creation and the utilisation of natural resources are important, commercial and development interests must not take precedence over public health and environmental sustainability. Our countries share the same regional environment, and the consequences of fires in Indonesia does not stop at national borders.<\/p>\n

            We therefore call upon the Government of Indonesia to translate its stated commitments into concrete, sustained and verifiable action. The recurring challenge must be dealt with through swift and effective prevention, transparent disclosure and meaningful accountability. Stronger enforcement, firm action against those responsible and genuine regional cooperation are vital in ending this longstanding regional challenge.<\/p>\n

            We trust that the Government of The Republic of Indonesia will take the necessary measures to safeguard public health, protect the environment and uphold its regional commitments.<\/p>\n

             <\/p>\n

            We sincerely thank all organisations for their support.<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \"\"<\/p>\n

            \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

            \"\"\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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