Forest fires that often occur in various areas in Indonesia are caused by the accumulation of various problems that arise naturally and/or human-made. Natural conditions that trigger fires, such as dry season, cannot be changed. However, this phenomenon is repeated on sequence and is predictable. Therefore, it should already be anticipated with strategic efforts to prevent fires.
"We need to understand which areas are prone to fire, and anticipate it before the hot spots appear," said Prof. Dr. HA Sudibyakto, MS in the monthly discussion hosted by Centre for Disaster Studies UGM, Monday (28/12) that discussed the handling of forest fires. Chairman of the Disaster Management UGM explains that the key to the problem is that the relevant parties should equally contribute, not just blaming each other. He asserted that forest fire is something that can be prevented.
Another issue that may cause forest fire is the wrong policy taken by the central and local governments, which indirectly could potentially cause a fire. This policy is, for example, the use of water in the forest for irrigation of agricultural land, which can deplete the water supply in the dome area. "This policy is wrong, because to keep the peat moist requires the availability of sufficient water in the dome when there is no rain," said Anwar Maas, Chairman of the Working Group of National Disaster Management Agency. Leaving the peat moist and maintaining hydrological balance, according to Anwar, is an appropriate preventative action.
Meanwhile, lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Prof. Dr. Sudjito, SH, MSi, states the importance of legal strategy in the management of land and forest fires. When talking about the law, the question arises as to which law is used and how to utilize the law effectively and fairly. In this case, according to Sudjito, the right strategy is using the concept of progressive law by involving all components of the nation, considering moral orientation aspects and mobilizing the existing laws multidimensionally.