Photo: Group photo (Doc: Robi)
Bogor, April 21, 2025
Bogor, West Java and Ketapang, West Kalimantan | April 21 – May 3, 2025
The Rainforest and Peatlands Fire Centre of Excellence, under the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, successfully held the Fire Simulation and Peat Fire Control Training, an international capacity-building program aimed at strengthening technical expertise and collaboration in managing peatland fires.
Riau, April 21, 2025 — A devastating fire swept through one of Sumatra’s most critical conservation areas. Five hectares of land inside Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN), located in Pelalawan Regency, Riau, were engulfed in flames on Saturday night (April 19). This is not just any land—it is home to the critically endangered Sumatran elephants and tigers.
April 14, 2025
A team of forestry experts from IPB University’s Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan) has embarked on an important academic mission to Kyoto University, Japan, to strengthen international collaboration in addressing one of Indonesia’s most persistent environmental challenges—peatland degradation and emissions from land and forest fires.
Photo: https://sipongi.menlhk.go.id/berita/570-pemerintah-bentuk-desk-koordinasi-penanganan-karhutla Jakarta, March 14, 2025 — In a strategic move to tackle the looming threat…
A Race Against Flames to Save a Natural Treasure
Chai Nat, Thailand – January 28, 2025
A massive forest fire crept dangerously close to one of Thailand’s most beloved tourist spots — the Chainat Bird Park, Asia’s largest aviary, sparking an all-out emergency response that saw more than 20 fire trucks rushing to protect this haven for over 100 species of birds.
The fire, which broke out Monday morning on Khao Plong mountain, quickly spread through dry forestland, driven by winds and scorching heat. By nightfall, it had advanced toward the park’s water park and Bird Egg Museum, according to Jitthana Yingthaweelapa, president of the Chai Nat Provincial Administrative Organisation.
November 19, 2024 – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Addressing the urgent need for regional collaboration on forest fire management, Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo, a leading expert in forest and environmental fire science from IPB University, delivered a powerful keynote speech at the Mekong-Korea Forest Fire Symposium (MKKF) 2024 held at the Sokha Siem Reap Palace Hotel, Cambodia.
Photo: group photo (Copyright: Committee)
Bogor, August 5, 2024 – In a strong demonstration of international cooperation, IPB University and the French Embassy in Indonesia convened the 2nd International Fire Conference, bringing together experts and delegates from Malaysia, France, Brunei Darussalam, South Korea, and Thailand. The event served as a vital platform to strengthen global commitment in reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by forest and land fires (Karhutla).
August 6, 2024
Forest fires and the resulting haze have become recurring environmental disasters in Southeast Asia, prompting international concern and action. These challenges have led to the formation of dedicated forums by global organizations to address fire management in high-risk regions—Indonesia included.
Bogor, June 24, 2024 – IPB University has marked another historic milestone with the official inauguration…
May 17, 2024
In recognition of outstanding efforts in forest and land fire prevention and commitment to creating cleaner air, the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan) of IPB University has once again presented the Clean Air Champion Award. This year’s award also reached the national level, highlighting individuals and institutions making significant impacts across Indonesia.
The award ceremony was held at the IPB International Convention Center (IICC) in Bogor and was led by Prof Iskandar Z Siregar (Vice-Rector for Global Connectivity, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs at IPB University), Prof Naresworo Nugroho (Dean of Fahutan), and Prof Bambang Hero Saharjo (Director of the Regional Fire Management Resource Center – Southeast Asia/RFMRC-SEA).
Based on Decree No. 39/IT3.F4/KP/2024, recipients of the award for the Kalimantan region included:
Akhmad Tamanuruddin (Kelurahan Kalampangan, Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan),
Kamison (Village Forest Management Institution/LPHD, Tuwung),
Sahat Irawan Manik, SH MM (Regional Division II, Kalimantan Fire Management Unit).
For Sumatra, Decree No. 40/IT3.F4/KP/2024 recognized:
Drs H Edward Candra, MH (Head of the South Sumatra Provincial Environmental and Land Office – Individual category),
Yozarwardi UP, SHut, MSi (Head of the West Sumatra Forestry Office – Group category),
Haris Suyanto (Manggala Agni Fire Brigade, Daops Sumatra XVII/OKI).
According to Prof Bambang Hero Saharjo, chair of the selection committee, candidates were assessed using strict criteria, including physical and mental fitness, high dedication, and a sincere work ethic. Most importantly, their working areas must have remained fire-free for at least two years (2022–2023), as verified by satellite data and field checks. In cases where fires occurred in 2022, demonstrable and successful efforts to reduce fire incidents in 2023 were also considered.
Additional indicators included proactive involvement in community training and outreach for community-based fire prevention programs (PLTB), and whether their areas had become references for forest fire control best practices. The selection process also received support from Senior Behavioural Scientists from Influence at Work (UK) Limited, ensuring objectivity and credibility.
The award ceremony was followed by a talk show featuring previous Clean Air Champion Award recipients. The session served as a platform to share experiences and strategies for effective fire prevention. Among the speakers were Muhammad Nur (Head of the West Kalimantan Environmental and Forestry Office), Maimun from Ketapang, West Kalimantan, and Andrean from Manggala Agni Daops Siak, Riau.
Participants and awardees also joined the Pesona Hijau Kampus (Campus Green Enchantment) event, a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and IPB University. The event was attended by the Minister and Secretary-General of KLHK, as well as university leaders.
During the event, IPB University and Field Indonesia launched a new PM2.5 air quality monitoring application and introduced a Fire Simulator, a product of collaborative research between IPB University and the French government, coordinated by the RFMRC.
Also present at the award ceremony were Dr Raffless Panjaitan (Advisor to the Minister of Environment and Forestry), representatives from the Directorate of Forest and Land Fire Control at KLHK, Field Indonesia, as well as other distinguished guests and award selection committee members.