From Japan, IPB University Professor Calls for Concrete Action to Reduce Forest and Land Fires

Professor Bambang Hero Saharjo, Professor at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, emphasized the importance of reducing forest and land fires (karhutla) in Indonesia as part of mitigating global climate change. He conveyed this during a visit to Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT) in Japan some time ago.

Prof Bambang’s visit to Japan was part of efforts to enhance academic cooperation between IPB University, TUAT, and Kyoto University.

On this occasion, Prof Bambang also received an official invitation as a Visiting Professor from Dr Yosei Oikawa, a representative of TUAT, with a mandate to give lectures, attend seminars, and discuss with international students.

In addition, this visit coincided with the acceptance of a joint research proposal between IPB University and TUAT, which will be funded for the 2025 period. In his lecture, Prof Bambang described the current state of global climate change, which is becoming increasingly alarming.

He highlighted the increase in extreme temperatures in various parts of the world, such as reaching 62,2°C in Brazil, 45–50°C in Europe, and a surge in temperatures also felt in Asia, including Indonesia.

“The increase in air temperature, greenhouse gas emissions, and various climate disasters such as floods, landslides, and forest fires are clear evidence that we have entered a period of ‘boiling temperature’, as stated by the UN Secretary-General,” said Prof Bambang in his lecture.

In the context of Indonesia, Prof Bambang explained that fires occur in almost all forest and land uses, including national parks and protected areas. This condition is even worse in peatlands and when the El Nino phenomenon occurs.

“Every time El Nino occurs, the area burned increases dramatically, followed by a surge in greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere,” he explained.

As a control measure, the government has implemented Government Regulation (PP) No 45 of 2004, which emphasizes three main steps: prevention, extinguishing, and post-fire management. However, according to him, the implementation of this policy has not been optimal because not all regions prioritize forest and land fire control.

Prof Bambang’s presentation received positive responses from TUAT students. One participant said, “This lecture opened our eyes to the fact that forest fires are not only an environmental issue, but are also closely related to global climate change.”

Another student added that the data presented was very alarming and served as a wake-up call for the younger generation. They hoped that policy makers would show concern and take concrete action on this issue. (*/dr) (IAAS/KQA)