Forest Fires Spark Protests from Neighboring Countries, DPR Member Urges Government: When Wrong, Apologize

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Junico Siahaan, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission I, has urged the government to adopt a humble approach in responding to protests from neighboring countries affected by haze from forest and land fires (karhutla) in Indonesia.

Junico stated that such protests are justified as neighboring countries' citizens are also experiencing the effects of the fires occurring in Indonesia.

"The government should respond humbly, not defensively. Engage in friendly diplomatic efforts. When we are at fault, bow our heads and apologize. That is far more honorable," Junico told reporters on Tuesday (20/10/2026).

The PDI-P politician noted that this year's karhutla has been severe and prolonged.

Therefore, he emphasized the need for the government to prioritize active diplomacy to address the cross-border haze issue.

"In light of the impacts of karhutla, it is clear that the triggers are incidents in Indonesia that have not been adequately addressed, resulting in neighboring citizens also suffering from the haze. Moreover, this year's karhutla has been particularly severe and long-lasting," he said.

Junico also pointed out Singapore's decision to send notification letters to Indonesian companies suspected of being related to the karhutla.

Singapore has also offered assistance to Indonesia in managing this issue.

According to Junico, the government needs to follow up on this offer through official communication clarifying needs, information exchange, and potential collaboration.

However, he emphasized that the government must ensure that any assistance aligns with on-the-ground needs, including readiness for deployment, safety, and connectivity with ongoing handling operations.

"Regional cooperation must yield benefits that can be utilized on the ground. The government must clarify Indonesia's needs and ensure that every support has clear objectives and implementation mechanisms," Junico stated.

Junico reminded that the karhutla issue in Indonesia is now under scrutiny from ASEAN and the global community.

Thus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to align diplomatic communication with relevant agencies.

This way, he hopes that explanations to partner countries are based on verified updates on handling progress, challenges on the ground, and assistance needs.

"Environmental issues are very sensitive as they are part of a global agenda. And because of the karhutla, foreign confidence in Indonesia could sharply decline," Junico warned.

Previously reported, the Singaporean government sent notification letters to at least 10 companies in Indonesia suspected of being related to the karhutla.

The letters, issued under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA), requested the companies to take measures for fire management and prevention.

In addition, Senior Minister K Shanmugam of Singapore expressed criticism and disappointment over remarks made by the Head of Indonesia's Government Communication Agency, Syahganda Nainggolan, who claimed that Indonesian forests supply oxygen to Singapore and Malaysia when there is no haze.

Shanmugam argued that such statements are inappropriate when the citizens of Southeast Asia are affected by the haze.