Forest Governance • Environmental Regulation • Wildfire Prevention
Forest permits play an important role in regulating forest utilization and ensuring responsible environmental management. In Indonesia, Forest Utilization Business Permits (PBPH) allow authorized activities within designated forest areas while requiring permit holders to fulfill environmental protection obligations.
However, having a legal permit does not automatically guarantee forest protection. The continued occurrence of forest and land fires (karhutla) highlights the gap that can exist between regulatory requirements and their implementation.
Why Are Licensed Forests Still at Risk?
Forest fires can occur due to prolonged drought, human activities, and inadequate land management. Dry vegetation and degraded peatlands can increase fire risks, particularly during extended dry seasons.
Even within licensed forest concessions, these environmental threats remain significant when monitoring and prevention measures are insufficient.
Forest Protection Goes Beyond Paperwork
Under Indonesia’s Government Regulation No. 23 of 2021, forest utilization permit holders have obligations related to forest protection and fire prevention.
Effective prevention requires regular patrols, satellite-based hotspot monitoring, firefighting equipment, and emergency response preparedness. Cooperation with local communities also strengthens early detection and prevention efforts.
What Happens When Protection Fails?
Failure to fulfill forest protection obligations may result in administrative sanctions, including permit suspension or revocation, depending on the established violations and applicable legal procedures.
In September 2026, Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry announced sanctions against five forest utilization permit holders in West Kalimantan following suspected fires within their concessions.
This case emphasizes that forest management responsibilities continue beyond the initial approval of a permit.
Building Stronger Forest Protection
Effective forest governance requires consistent supervision, responsible business practices, and meaningful enforcement of environmental regulations.
Technology such as satellite monitoring and geographic information systems can improve fire detection, while field inspections help verify risks and support appropriate responses.
Ultimately, forest protection depends not only on the existence of regulations but also on how effectively they are implemented.
A forest permit grants legal authorization, but genuine forest protection requires continuous monitoring, preventive action, and accountability.
References
- Government of Indonesia. (2021). Government Regulation No. 23 of 2021 concerning Forestry Administration.
- Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia. (2026). Kemenhut Kembali Sanksi 5 PBPH Terkait Karhutla.
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