The Indonesian government should call on Malaysia and Singapore to play a greater role in preventing forest and land fires in the country, Indonesia’s House of Representatives Commission VIII Chairman Marwan Dasopang said as fires worsen across several parts of the nation, particularly Kalimantan.
Speaking at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Friday (21 August), Marwan argued that neighbouring countries should understand the scale of Indonesia’s territory and the challenges involved in controlling fires during the dry season.
Malaysia and Singapore also have plantations in Indonesia
He also pointed to Malaysian and Singaporean companies and individuals who own plantations or land in Indonesia, saying they should contribute to fire prevention efforts rather than simply criticising Indonesia when smoke reaches neighbouring countries.
“Malaysia and Singapore also have plantations in Indonesia. They should not just protest, but also take part in prevention,” Marwan said.
He went further, arguing that some activities linked to foreign-owned plantations could also contribute to forest and land fires.
“From a state perspective, we can apologise and ask for help. But on the ground, they also have a role,” he said.
Call for proactive measures and law reforms
Marwan warned that the risk of forest and land fires naturally rises during the dry season, but stressed that preventive measures should begin well before conditions deteriorate. He urged the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to strengthen its preparedness and mitigation efforts from the outset.
The lawmaker also called for amendments to Indonesia’s Disaster Management Law to give the BNPB greater authority, including stronger control and coordination at the regional level.
According to CNN Indonesia, Marwan said the agency’s institutional capacity must be strengthened so it can focus more effectively on disaster prevention and mitigation, rather than functioning mainly as a body that responds after disasters occur.
He said previous efforts to revise the law had stalled after the government proposed a weaker role for the BNPB.
What do you think of Marwan’s take on this matter?
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