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.
One of the most notable milestones in Indonesia’s efforts to combat forest fires dates back to 1992, following the severe transboundary haze crisis of 1991, largely caused by extensive fires across the Indonesian archipelago. This catalyzed the development of national strategies, culminating in the 1997 ITTO-sponsored “Guidelines on Fire Management in Tropical Forests”.
Now, nearly three decades later, those guidelines are undergoing a crucial revision—and Indonesia is once again taking a leading role through Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo, a forest fire expert from IPB University.
Representing Indonesia on the Global Stage
In July 2024, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), convened 22 world-renowned forest fire experts to draft a revision of the ITTO guidelines. Among them, Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo stood out as the sole representative from Indonesia, lending his decades of expertise in tropical forest fire management.
“These guidelines are a critical step in helping forest managers and national policymakers navigate the growing complexity of fire-related challenges in tropical regions,” said Prof. Bambang, who also serves as a Professor in the Faculty of Forestry and Environment at IPB University.
A New Name, A Broader Vision
The revision effort, led by Prof. Johann G. Goldammer from the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC), proposed a more holistic approach to the original 1997 version. The new working title?
“ITTO Guidelines on Integrated Fire Management in Tropical Forests and Surrounding Natural and Cultural Landscapes.”
This reflects a broader perspective that not only considers ecological factors but also the surrounding human and cultural landscapes, making it more relevant to today’s realities.
Alongside Prof. Bambang, the revision team includes notable fire management experts such as Dr. Lucy Amissah (Ghana), Dr. Maria Isabel Manta Nolasco (Peru), and Ir. Syafii Manan, MSc, a co-initiator of the original 1997 edition.
The first official draft discussion was held in the Nigeria Room at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, on July 25, chaired by Ms. Jennifer Conje, Director of the Forest Management Division at ITTO.
Debate and Refinement
As with any major international policy draft, the revision process was not without debate. According to Prof. Bambang, differing interpretations among the experts—especially concerning the title and content—sparked intense discussions.
“There were moments of significant disagreement, especially on how to interpret several of the 8 core topics, 28 principles, and 29 proposed action plans,” he explained.
To ensure transparency and inclusiveness, the revision team adopted a collaborative approach where all participants could provide input via track changes, which would then be reviewed and agreed upon collectively.
A Blueprint for the Future
With contributions from global experts across multiple continents, the revised ITTO Guidelines on Integrated Fire Management are expected to be finalized and officially adopted by the end of 2024.
Once completed, these updated guidelines are anticipated to become a key reference for tropical forest nations striving for more effective, inclusive, and sustainable fire management policies—paving the way for regional cooperation, stronger policies, and better outcomes in the face of escalating climate and land-use challenges.