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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.
“This app empowers the public to easily access real-time data on air pollution in their area, especially pollution caused by forest and land fires (Karhutla),” said Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo, Director of RFMRC-SEA, during the launch event held at the IPB International Convention Center (IICC).
Prof. Bambang emphasized the urgency of the issue: “If the pollution levels escalate, as shown on the app, it may be necessary for vulnerable communities to seek safer environments.”
National Clean Air Awards
The event also saw IPB University present the National Clean Air Awards for the Sumatra and Kalimantan regions. This initiative is part of a collaboration between the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan) IPB University and FIELD Indonesia, celebrating efforts in wildfire prevention and clean air advocacy.
“These awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to preventing wildfires and ensuring cleaner air for all,” explained Prof. Bambang.
The selection process for the awards included input from Influence at Work (UK) Limited, represented by a Senior Behavioural Scientist, and awards at the district and provincial levels had already been given in October.
Clean Air Champions
From Sumatra, the national awardees were:
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Andrean from Manggala Agni Daops Sumatera VII/Rengat
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Muhammad Nur, SPd, a teacher and community fire prevention activist in Tanjung Leban, Bengkalis, Riau
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Poniman, from Manggala Agni Daops Sumatera IX/Jambi
From Kalimantan, awards went to:
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IR H Adi Yani, MH, Head of the Provincial Environmental and Forestry Office, West Kalimantan
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Ya Suharnoto, ST, MT, Fire Control Brigade Commander, Kubu Raya
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Maemun, Chair of the women-led group The Power of Mama, Ketapang
The awards were presented by the Vice Rector of IPB University for Global Connectivity, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, alongside representatives from Fahutan IPB, BNPB, FIELD Indonesia, and RFMRC-SEA.
A Broader Mission
Beyond recognition, the university and its partners are actively engaged in fighting forest and land fires. Through daily monitoring of fire hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan, the team compiles data that is then shared via the RFMRC-SEA website, discussed in briefings, and used to inform field activities.
Their joint efforts also include training programs for zero-burning land preparation (Penyiapan Lahan Tanpa Bakar – PLTB), coordinated by FIELD Indonesia, targeting areas that are prone to fire.
This new app and the collaborative initiatives reflect a growing commitment to safeguarding the environment and public health, making technology a powerful ally in the battle against climate threats.