IPB University Professor Receives The Guardian Honor for Lifetime Dedication to Fighting Forest Fires

Professor Bambang Hero Saharjo, Professor at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan) at IPB University, received the prestigious The Guardian Honor (Lifetime Achievement) award at the Katadata Green Innovator Awards 2025.

This award is a tribute to his lifelong dedication to combating forest and land fires (karhutla) in Indonesia.

Prof Bambang is widely known as a fire forensic expert who has never wavered in his efforts to uncover cases of karhutla. In 2019, he also received the John Maddox Prize in London, England, for his contribution in using scientific evidence to support law enforcement against illegal forest burning practices.

Since the beginning of his career, his interest in the issue of forest and land fires stemmed from his curiosity.

“Since I was an undergraduate student, I often read publications about the 1982/1983 fires that ravaged 3,6 million hectares, especially in East Kalimantan. Many people did not believe that tropical forests could burn. However, it actually happened with tremendous impact. That’s what motivated me to pursue this field,” he explained.

After more than 35 years of research and serving as an expert witness in various trials, he acknowledged that the biggest challenge was the limited field data. Not only that, he often had to deal with ‘experts’ who sided with companies and gave testimony that was not based on facts.

“However, thanks to technology such as satellite imagery and the power of scientific evidence, the truth was finally proven. In the case of PT KA in Aceh, the environmental damage value of Rp366 billion was upheld from the first instance to the cassation,” he revealed.

Despite frequently facing pressure, he urges the younger generation in particular not to remain silent when witnessing environmental damage. “The negative impacts of forest fires are undeniable, affecting the environment, flora, fauna, health, and economic losses. Therefore, prevention must be a priority,” he said.

“Feel free to get involved in education, technology, or law enforcement. Remember, no matter how small your contribution may be, it will mean more than just complaining without taking action,” Prof Bambang advised. (dr) (IAAS/ASY)