Wildfires in Indonesia: A Growing Concern
Recent findings from MADANI Berkelanjutan and Pantau Gambut reveal that wildfires are on the rise in Indonesia, following a consistent pattern over the years. By September 2025, over 300,000 hectares had burned, with West Kalimantan suffering the most—123,076 hectares were charred, including large areas designated for fire and land use management by 2030.
The peatlands, essential for carbon storage, have been hit hard too. In July and August, about 26,761 hectares of peatland went up in flames, mainly in Riau and West Kalimantan. Alarmingly, 56% of these fires occurred in areas allocated for palm oil plantations and forestry development.
Sadam Afian Richwanudin, a researcher at MADANI, emphasizes the dire impact this could have on Indonesia’s emissions goals, especially with COP30 in Brazil on the horizon. Millions of tons of carbon have already been emitted due to land degradation and forest loss. Most of the burned areas consist of rich natural forests and peatlands, crucial for absorbing carbon.
To mitigate this issue, Sadam recommends that the government enhance coordination among various agencies. Currently, the National Disaster Management Agency works separately from the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Forestry, leading to fragmented efforts in wildfire suppression and land restoration. He argues that a unified approach is vital for effective action.
Weak law enforcement against companies involved in these wildfires is another significant challenge. Sadam underscores the need for stricter regulations and clear policies to drive landscape restoration efforts. He believes political will is crucial for addressing wildfires as an interconnected issue, linking environmental health and climate goals.
Human resource limitations and insufficient funding in various regions further complicate wildfire management. Sadam warns that without better handling of land clearing and fires, Indonesia’s emission reduction targets will become increasingly difficult to meet. He believes that COP30 could turn out to be just a formality if current trends persist.
Historical patterns show that wildfires have surged during dry seasons, often correlated with increased land clearance for agriculture. The rise in global temperatures has exacerbated these conditions, leading to longer dry spells and heightened fire risk.
As awareness grows, social media trends reflect public concern over these environmental challenges. Many Indonesians are advocating for better policies and sustainable practices, hoping for action before it’s too late.
For further insights into related environmental issues, you can refer to reports from organizations like the World Wildlife Fund or the United Nations Environment Programme.
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wildfire , FOLU Net Sink, Carbon Emission, COP30, Indonesia , peatland, Climate
