PDI-P on Forest Fires: Burned Forests Must Not Be Converted into Palm Oil Land

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has asserted that areas of burned forest in several regions of Indonesia must not be converted into plantation land, including palm oil plantations.

"Burned forests or those exploited by certain parties for plantation development must not be converted into plantations, including palm oil," said PDI-P Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto at the Museum of the Youth Pledge in Central Jakarta on Sunday (25/10/2026).

Hasto noted that this stance is part of spatial planning politics, reflecting the best practices learned from the fifth President of Indonesia and current PDI-P Chairperson, Megawati Soekarnoputri.

"This is spatial politics, which includes the implementation of a forest moratorium," Hasto added.

Regarding Criticism from Neighboring Countries

The issue of forest fires in Indonesia has drawn criticism from neighboring countries, including Singapore and Malaysia.

Hasto believes that such criticisms should be taken as a moment for introspection and evaluation.

"What happens will continue to happen. This has touched the dignity of the nation. We must consider the viral videos from some time ago when we received criticism from neighboring countries," Hasto stated.

The government can implement policy changes to prevent further forest and land fires.

Indonesia also needs to establish a fire prevention system, which includes the readiness of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and modernizing the tools used for prevention.

The tools for preventing forest and land fires need to be modernized.

"Going forward, at least five months before the dry season, comprehensive planning must be carried out to prevent forest fires," Hasto emphasized.