By: Robi Deslia Waldi
Tokyo, Japan — Bambang Hero Saharjo, Professor at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, emphasized the urgent need for concrete actions to reduce forest and land fires (karhutla) in Indonesia as part of global climate change mitigation efforts.
The statement was delivered during his academic visit to Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), Japan, as part of a collaborative initiative involving IPB University, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, and Kyoto University.
During the visit, Prof. Bambang was officially invited as a Visiting Professor by TUAT, represented by Yosei Oikawa. In this role, he delivered lectures, participated in seminars, and engaged in discussions with international students.
The visit also coincided with the acceptance of a joint research proposal between IPB University and TUAT, which is set to receive funding for the 2025 period.
In his lecture, Prof. Bambang highlighted the alarming trends in global climate change, including extreme temperatures recorded worldwide—reaching up to 62.2°C in Brazil, 45–50°C in Europe, and rising heat levels across Asia, including Indonesia.
He referred to the concept of “global boiling,” a term popularized by António Guterres, to describe the escalating climate crisis. According to him, increasing air temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate-related disasters such as floods, landslides, and forest fires are clear indicators of this phenomenon.
Focusing on Indonesia, Prof. Bambang explained that forest and land fires occur across various land-use types, including national parks and protected areas. The situation becomes more severe in peatland regions and during El Niño events.
“Each El Niño event significantly increases the burned area, followed by a surge in greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere,” he noted.
He also highlighted Indonesia’s regulatory framework, including Peraturan Pemerintah No 45 Tahun 2004, which emphasizes prevention, suppression, and post-fire management. However, he stressed that implementation remains inconsistent, as not all regions prioritize forest fire control.
The lecture received positive responses from TUAT students, who recognized that forest fires are not merely environmental issues but are closely linked to global climate change. Many described the session as a “wake-up call” for younger generations and urged policymakers to take stronger, more concrete actions.
This international engagement reinforces the importance of global collaboration in addressing forest fires and climate change, while further establishing Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo as a leading voice in environmental protection.