JAKARTA – Minister of Environment/ Head of the Environmental Management Agency (KLH/BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, inaugurated the Secretariat Office of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC THPC) at the KLH/BPLH Office on Jl. D.I Panjatian Kav 24, Kebon Nanas, East Jakarta.
The inauguration marks Indonesia’s strategic step in strengthening ASEAN regional collaboration to address transboundary haze pollution in a more coordinated, expeditious, and effective manner.
Minister Hanif emphasized that the presence of this secretariat is not merely an institutional symbol, but also a concrete manifestation of Indonesia’s commitment as host to accelerating the operationalization of the regional coordination center. “This symbolizes the collective determination of ASEAN countries to realize a haze-free region through stronger cooperation and faster response.”
The ACC THPC was established within the framework of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) and is designed to serve as a regional command center for controlling forest and land fires (Karhutla), which have potential transboundary impacts. Through the command center, coordination between countries will be strengthened, from information exchange to mobilization of emergency assistance in the event of a fire.
Strategically, the ACC THPC has three main functions: monitoring and assessment through the provision of real-time hotspot and air quality data; technical coordination among countries concerned, including the exchange of experts and firefighting technology; and an early warning system to prevent fire escalation during dry season.
The presence of the ACC THPC Secretariat in Jakarta is also expected to integrate data systems and rapid response between national institutions such as the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the Ministry of Environment and Forestry/Environmental Agency (BPLH), the Ministry of Forestry, and partners in ASEAN member countries. This integration is crucial to ensuring that forest and land fire management is carried out across borders with a more synchronized and effective approach.
As the country with the largest tropical forest area in Southeast Asia, Indonesia affirms its commitment to continuously reducing the fire incidents by strengthening the systems of prevention, extinguishing, law enforcement, and ecosystem restoration. This step also reinforces Indonesia’s position as a regional leader in the issue of transboundary haze control.
With the full operation of the ACC THPC, ASEAN is expected to be able to significantly reduce the extent of fires and minimize the health, environmental impacts, and economic losses caused by haze pollution, which has long become a common challenge for the region.
Karhutla monitoring at home
Meanwhile, domestically, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has asked his staff to focus on six provinces in addressing the risk of forest and land fires (Karhutla). The fire threat is triggered by the El Niño Godzilla phenomenon, which can cause prolonged drought.
The six provinces are Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan. These regions are considered to have extensive peatlands, requiring detailed planning, particularly regarding peat ecosystem management. Hanif explained that although this year’s El Niño is categorized as low to moderate, its impact is more significant because it occurs during the dry season.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts rainfall of less than 100 mm per month, or an average of less than 5 mm per day. This condition increases the potential for rainless days and complicates weather modification to prevent forest and land fires.
Hanif emphasized the importance of monitoring peatland water levels. Some areas have recorded drastic declines of up to 150 cm and 80 cm. In general, peat is considered safe if the water level is above 40 cm from the ground surface. (*)
Kemenlh.go.id. Menteri LH Resmikan Komando Polusi Asap Lintas Batas, Perkuat Diplomasi Lingkungan Indonesia. https://kemenlh.go.id/news/detail/menteri-lh-resmikan-komando-polusi-asap-lintas-batas-perkuat-diplomasi-lingkungan-indonesia. 22 April 2026
