JAKARTA — The Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) has called on all stakeholders to deal with the forest and land fires (Karhutla) in an objective manner. It should be based on data, direct ground checking, and reliable evidences. Detecting hotspots is not enough to make a conclusion that a plantation company is the cause of fires.[2]
GAPKI Executive Director Mukti Sardjono made the statement during an interview conducted by Podcast Elshinta on Friday (16/10/2026).[3]
MapBiomas Data: Majority of Fires Are Located in Forest Areas
Mukti cites data from MapBiomas for the period of January to August 2026. According to this data, the total area burned reached approximately 677,000 hectares. About 52 percent of this area consists of forest, while oil palm plantations that still retain tree cover account for only about 3.7 percent.[1]
He suggests that this data should serve as a basis for evaluation to understand the distribution of fires and determine appropriate response measures. He emphasizes that the data on the extent of the fires must be interpreted carefully and should not be used immediately to assign responsibility to any specific party.[1]
Hotspots Should Be Followed with Ground Check
Mukti explained that the presence of hotspots in the vicinity of a plantation does not automatically mean the company is responsible. Fires could originate outside the plantation area and spread due to strong winds or extremely dry land conditions.
For this reason, GAPKI urges authorities and relevant parties to conduct on-the-ground inspections before drawing conclusions about the cause of a fire. Such inspections should verify three key points:
- whether a fire actually occurred at the location,
- the origin of the fire,
- and whether the fire really started within the company’s plantation areas.
The chronology of events should also be thoroughly documented—including, if necessary, through official reports (berita acara) filed with the local police. This ensures that the determination of responsibility is based on facts.
Negligent Companies Must Be Held Accountable
GAPKI does not advocate for companies found to be in violation to be absolved of responsibility. According to Mukti, companies that fail to prevent or tackle fires must be held accountable under the prevailing law.
On the other hand, companies that have fulfilled their preventive obligations—and have even assisted in firefighting efforts—should be evaluated fairly. He hopes that such companies will not continue to be unfairly targeted.
Plantation companies, particularly those that are members of GAPKI, are required to provide facilities and infrastructure for fire control, including:
- firefighting equipment,
- trained personnel,
- fire observation towers,
- standard operational procedures (SOPs).
Exchange of Daily Hotspot Data with Government
For prevention purposes, GAPKI collaborates with the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Forestry. Both parties exchange data on hotspots on a daily basis. This information is then relayed to member companies so that it can be promptly verified in the field—especially when hotspots appear in the vicinity of their concessions.
Mukti believes that this two-way exchange of information between the government and business operators allows for faster and more targeted responses to fires.
Govt Needs to Prepare Fire-Extinguishing Equipment in Conservation Areas
Mukti also highlighted the government’s state of preparedness, particularly regarding protected forests, national parks, and conservation areas. He stated that areas under government management must be equipped with adequate resources, personnel, and early-detection systems. The handling of forest and land fires should not rely on assistance from plantation companies only after a fire has already spread.
He added that managing fires in conservation areas requires collaboration among the government, law enforcement, the military and police, private companies, and local communities.
GAPKI Members Assist with Firefighting Efforts
According to Mukti, GAPKI and its member companies contribute to efforts to combat forest and land fires, including in areas outside their concessions. In South Kalimantan, this assistance has taken the form of water pumps and operational support for task forces. In Central Kalimantan, member companies have provided helicopters, face masks, and other resources.
GAPKI emphasizes that addressing forest and land fires must prioritize prevention, preparedness, and collaboration among all stakeholders. Accurate data, field inspections, and fair law enforcement are essential to preventing the spread of fires and ensuring that those responsible are correctly identified.[1][2]
References
- MapBiomas Indonesia | Fire (2026). Burned area in Indonesia, January–August 2026. Fire.MapBiomas.id. https://fire.mapbiomas.id/en
- Gabungan Pengusaha Kelapa Sawit Indonesia (GAPKI). (26 August 2026). Karhutla 2026: Perkuat Pencegahan dan Kesiapsiagaan Perusahaan Sawit Hadapi Musim Kemarau. https://gapki.id/news/2026/08/26/karhutla-2026-perkuat-pencegahan-dan-kesiapsiagaan-perusahaan-sawit-hadapi-musim-kemarau/
- Elshinta. (16 October 2026). GAPKI: Determining Karhutla Culprits Should Be Proof-Based. Podcast Elshinta interview with GAPKI Executive Director Mukti Sardjono. https://elshinta.com/kategori/1/aktual-dalam-negeri/gapki-minta-penanganan-karhutla-berbasis-bukti-kebakaran-area-sawit-181245
