Indonesian Lawmaker Urges Wildlife Protection in Kalimantan Fire Response

JAKARTA ■ SUARA NEGERI — An Indonesian lawmaker has urged the government to include wildlife and habitat protection in its response to forest and land fires in Kalimantan, warning that the fires threaten endemic species and could increase conflicts between animals and people.

Rajiv, a member of the parliamentary Commission IV from the NasDem Party, said fires in the Indonesian part of Borneo could destroy habitats and food and water sources for species including orangutans, proboscis monkeys and hornbills.

“Forest and land fires do not only destroy trees, but also food, water and wildlife habitats,” Rajiv told reporters on Thursday.

He said the impact on wildlife could continue after fires are extinguished, as animals displaced from their habitats may move into plantations, secondary forests and residential areas in search of food.

Such displacement could increase the risk of human-wildlife conflict, Rajiv said.

He called for the government to shift from a response focused primarily on firefighting to a permanent, risk-based prevention system.

Hotspots should be quickly verified and their sources investigated before fires spread, he said, adding that prevention efforts should involve relevant ministries, local governments, law enforcement agencies, concession holders, indigenous communities and people living near forest areas.

Rajiv also called on the Forestry Ministry and Environment Ministry to establish an emergency protocol for wildlife affected by forest and land fires.

The proposed measures should include mapping wildlife habitats and corridors, establishing rescue and veterinary teams, providing temporary habitats and monitoring animals after fires, he said.

Wildlife protection should not be limited to conservation areas, Rajiv said, calling for stronger ecological corridors and protected areas in cooperation with concession holders and local communities.

“Wildlife protection must be an integral part of the response to forest and land fires,” Rajiv said.

Kalimantan is home to a wide range of biodiversity, including endangered and endemic species. Forest and land fires can damage habitats and disrupt food supplies for wildlife. (Janne Sinten)