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).
Held at IPB University’s Dramaga Campus, the conference underscored the urgency of addressing karhutla through collaborative efforts among governments, academics, and civil society. The participants shared insights, technologies, and strategies to effectively tackle one of the most pressing environmental challenges in Southeast Asia.
Forest Fires: A Threat Beyond Borders
In his opening remarks, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar, Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs at IPB University, emphasized that forest fires are not just local disasters—they have far-reaching effects on public health and ecosystems.
“Let us not forget the fires of 2015, which raged for more than three months. The consequences were severe—worsened public health, air pollution, soil degradation, and disrupted hydrology. This is why a platform like this conference is so critical,” he stressed.
A Shared Responsibility Across Nations
Dr Ati Dwi Nurhayati, chair of the conference organizing committee, highlighted the importance of open dialogue and experience-sharing in addressing transboundary environmental issues.
“Karhutla is a global concern and must be addressed collectively. This forum allows us to emphasize the importance of synergy between governments, researchers, and the international community,” she stated.
French Embassy: Strong Support for Indonesia
Prof Christelle Hely, French Ambassador to Indonesia and keynote speaker at the conference, expressed her strong support for Indonesia’s climate efforts.
“Forest and land fires are among the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. France is fully committed to supporting Indonesia in its mitigation efforts, including through the transfer of proven technologies and strategies from Europe,” she said.
She also introduced a key outcome of this bilateral cooperation—the Rainforests and Peatlands Fires Centre of Excellence. This is the first training center of its kind in Southeast Asia equipped with a fire simulator, designed to train fire management professionals and emergency responders.
Indonesia’s Commitment and Multi-Stakeholder Approach
Laksmi Dhewanthi, Director General of Climate Change Control at Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF), reiterated that the Indonesian government has taken serious action, including enhanced field personnel training and the use of advanced fire monitoring technology.
“We want the international community to see that Indonesia is fully committed to tackling this issue. Both central and regional governments, along with private sectors, are working together according to their respective mandates,” she explained.
She also noted the involvement of various agencies and institutions such as the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB), Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), universities, and local fire-aware communities.
Collaboration is the Key
Prof Bambang Hero, a leading fire management expert from IPB University and Regional Director of the Fire Management Resource Center – Southeast Asia (RFMRC-SEA), emphasized that many of the challenges related to karhutla can only be solved through collaboration.
“International partnerships must not only continue, but also be strengthened. Forest fires are a regional—and even global—problem that knows no borders,” he asserted.
A Spark of Hope from Campus Grounds
The 2nd International Fire Conference stands not only as an academic gathering, but also as a powerful symbol of shared determination to protect the planet. From the heart of IPB University, the message is clear: only by working together can we extinguish the fires and safeguard our future.