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.
Category: RFMRC-SEA
Forging Solutions for Peatlands: IPB University and Kyoto University Join Forces
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.
Uniting for Forest Protection: Government Launches Coordination Desk for Wildfire Management
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…
Forest Fire Threatens Asia’s Largest Bird Park in Chai Nat
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.
IPB University Professor Delivers Keynote at International Symposium in Cambodia, Calls for Regional Collaboration on Forest Fires in ASEAN
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.
Global Synergy to Combat Forest and Land Fires: IPB University and the French Embassy Host the 2nd International Fire Conference
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).
IPB University Expert Represents Indonesia in Drafting Revised ITTO Guidelines on Forest Fire Management
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.
Fahutan IPB University Honors Clean Air Champions for Forest Fire Prevention Efforts
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:
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Akhmad Tamanuruddin (Kelurahan Kalampangan, Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan),
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Kamison (Village Forest Management Institution/LPHD, Tuwung),
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Sahat Irawan Manik, SH MM (Regional Division II, Kalimantan Fire Management Unit).
For Sumatra, Decree No. 40/IT3.F4/KP/2024 recognized:
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Drs H Edward Candra, MH (Head of the South Sumatra Provincial Environmental and Land Office – Individual category),
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Yozarwardi UP, SHut, MSi (Head of the West Sumatra Forestry Office – Group category),
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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.
IPB University Launches Air Quality and Hotspot Monitoring Android App
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Photo: a. group photo committee, b. Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 application
November 27, 2023 – Bogor, Indonesia
In an inspiring step toward environmental protection and public awareness, IPB University has officially launched a new Android-based application that monitors air pollution and wildfire hotspots in real time. Developed by the Regional Fire Management Resource Center – South East Asia (RFMRC-SEA) in collaboration with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of IPB University, the app tracks levels of PM2.5, CO₂, and active fire hotspots.
Representing Indonesia: IPB University Professor Shares Research at International Wildland Fire Conference in Portugal
May 24, 2023 – Porto, Portugal
IPB University’s Professor Bambang Hero Saharjo stood on the global stage as he represented Indonesia at the 8th International Wildland Fire Conference held recently in Porto, Portugal. Themed “Landscape Fire Governance Framework,” the prestigious conference brought together more than 1,600 participants from 88 countries, united by a shared commitment to tackling wildland fires and their far-reaching impacts.
Indonesia’s delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the Korea-Indonesia joint forest fire control project, and the Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan) IPB University, supported by the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO).
Research to Tackle the Root Causes of Fire Management Gaps
During the conference, Prof. Bambang presented a key research paper titled:
“Enhancing Policy Intervention for Forest Fire Management in Indonesia to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions.”
The study aimed to answer a long-standing question: Why do forest and land fire control efforts often fail to produce significant results in certain regions—even when implemented seriously and consistently?
“This research addresses the disconnect between policy, implementation, and results,” explained Prof. Bambang. “Despite many serious efforts, certain areas continue to suffer recurring fires. Understanding these patterns is essential for long-term solutions.”
In addition, Prof. Bambang also presented an e-poster titled:
“Forest and Land Fire Prevention Through Zero-Burning Practices by Rural Communities in Indonesia,”
highlighting how grassroots, no-burn agricultural techniques are playing a vital role in fire prevention strategies across rural Indonesia.
A Voice for Southeast Asia in the Global Arena
As Director of the Southeast Asia Wildland Fire Network, Prof. Bambang also delivered a situational report on fire occurrences and management efforts across ASEAN countries—including Indonesia. His presentation covered prevention strategies, fire suppression, and post-fire recovery, providing a comprehensive picture of the region’s challenges and progress.
“This conference, held every four years, builds on commitments made at the previous event in Campo Grande, Brazil, in 2019,” said Prof. Bambang, who also serves as Executive Director of the Regional Fire Management Resource Center–Southeast Asia (RFMRC-SEA).
A Global Exchange of Knowledge and Solutions
The conference also served as a knowledge-sharing platform among major global institutions such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the European Union (EU), and the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC)—alongside experts from a diverse range of countries, each facing unique fire-related challenges based on their geographic and ecological contexts.
“Events like this are critical,” Prof. Bambang noted. “They connect science with policy and practice, fostering collaboration across nations to solve one of the planet’s most pressing environmental crises—wildland fires.”