Govt and DPD Strengthen Oversight of Forest Fires and Waste Management

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) and Commission II of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) enhance cooperation to address various environmental challenges, including forest and land fires, the national waste emergency, and environmental law enforcement.

Minister of Environment, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, said the government would strengthen enforcement against the misuse of local customary provisions that allow land clearing through burning. He said the government had sealed several companies found at fire-affected sites under the principle of strict liability.

“There is a provision allowing a maximum of two hectares to be burned to respect local traditions. But in reality, this provision has also been misused by companies to clear land at a lower cost,” Jumhur said in Jakarta, Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

In addition to forest and land fires, KLH/BPLH highlighted the national waste emergency by preparing Waste-to-Energy projects in 34 metropolitan areas covering around 60 to 65 regencies and municipalities. The government is also strengthening the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to increase producers' responsibility for packaging waste.

In environmental law enforcement, KLH/BPLH recorded non-tax state revenue of 1.7 trillion rupiah. The government is also promoting a restorative approach focused on resolving environmental problems while maintaining oversight and law enforcement against environmental violations.

Chairperson of DPD RI Commission II, Badikenita Br Sitepu, supported the government's efforts, particularly in improving waste management in regions that still rely heavily on the conventional “collect, transport, and dispose” approach. She called for greater waste reduction at the source, sorting, processing, and the development of a circular economy.

“Waste remains a structural challenge because many regions still rely on the collect, transport, and dispose approach. Therefore, a shift is needed toward reducing waste at the source, sorting and processing it, and developing a circular economy,” he explained.