Ekuatorial, Palangka Raya – Government take firm action against the exploitation of peatland, which is to stop giving forest management concessions to the company.
“The Ministry of Environment and Forestry will not provide new licenses for peatland. This is in accordance with instructions of the president,” said Minister Siti Nurbaya, on the sidelines of President Joko Widodo in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, Saturday (31/10).
Peatland clearance permit said the Minister, only allowed for indigenous people living around the peatland area. Its use is only for their lives. “For that, the rules will be in the form of the Act or substitute Act,” she said.
From the total 61 million hectares of peatlands in Indonesia, there are 8.2 million hectares that have been issued permits to work on. “To anticipate the peatland fires, canal program should run in each region,” she said. Furthermore, to the local officials, she warned not to open or to give permit on peatland because it was prohibited by the president. Governor Regulation that is allow land clearing burning, she asked to be reviewed.
During a visit to Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, President Jokowi reviewing the manufacture of bulkhead canal in Tumbang Nusa village, Jabiren Raya district, Pulang Pisau regency. President arrived at 14.00 and go directly to the construction of the canal bulkhead 01 involving the Indonesian army. “Hence, do not burn if you want a smoke-free,” said Jokowi.
Accompany the president, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs. Also Coordinating Minister of Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Siti Nurbaya Bakar the Minister of Environment and Forestry, and Willem Rampangilei the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency. Maturidi