President Prabowo Urges Forest and Land Fires to be Classified as Eco-Terrorism

President Prabowo Subianto urged the strengthening of sanction mechanisms against perpetrators of forest and land fires, including the potential classification of such acts as “eco-terrorism.” The Head of State believes that the issue of forest and land fires has become a serious problem that requires firmer legal actions and strengthened regulations.

President Prabowo, Wednesday (09/16), delivered this directive while chairing a hybrid limited meeting on disaster management across Indonesia from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. During the meeting, he also received the latest report on the management of forest and land fires as well as mitigation measures to address conditions expected to stay volatile for the next one and a half month.

President Prabowo ordered the Minister of State Secretary and the Minister of Law to review the provisions for sanction mechanisms against those involved in forest and land fires. According to him, the regulations can be strengthened by amending the law with the involvement of the House of Representatives (DPR).

“I have already told the Minister of State Secretary and the Minister of Law to review the legal sanctions. Perhaps we will ask the DPR to tighten the law so that we can classify this as eco-terrorism as this is very serious,” he stated.

This seriousness is grounded in the impacts of forest and land fires, which are not only felt domestically but can also affect neighboring countries. The President emphasized that the Government has worked optimally to mitigate these fires and does not want their consequences to burden other nations.

“We have worked optimally to mitigate these problems,” he added.

Furthermore, President Prabowo ordered an immediate revocation of regional regulations that still allow for land burning. He also raised the possibility of tightening provisions in national laws.

“Revoke the regional regulations immediately. Minister of Home Affairs, please ensure this is carried out, and if necessary, I urge you to tighten the sanctions through the National Law,” he declared.

The President also emphasized that land clearing through burning must no longer be permitted for any reason. According to the Head of State, if the community needs land clearing, the Government stands ready to provide assistance to eliminate the need for burning.

“I have said there should be no excuses, whether based on local wisdom or anything else. I believe these are only excuses. If our people really need the land, we will help to clear it. But illegal methods must be eradicated. There must be no more forest fires for land clearing or for any other reason,” he concluded.

By strengthening regulations, law enforcement, and community assistance, President Prabowo emphasized the Government’s commitment to eradicating forest and land burning practices at their roots.

The limited meeting was chaired by President Prabowo from the Merdeka Palace, accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. Several Government officials also attended the meeting via video conference. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (NST/MMB)