Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – Muhammadiyah has urged the government to thoroughly investigate forest and land fires (Karhutla), evaluate business permits, and take firm action against responsible parties. The Chair of the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership emphasized that community protection must become the priority. Muhammadiyah also asked the central and regional governments to strengthen coordination so that Karhutla does not continue to recur every year.
Chair of the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership, Haedar Nashir, said the efforts already carried out by the government deserve appreciation. However, community safety must remain the main priority in handling Karhutla.
“While appreciating the steps that have been taken, Muhammadiyah asks the central and regional governments to act earnestly. Especially by deploying all capabilities optimally, swiftly, massively, and with high-level coordination. Particularly in overcoming karhutla and protecting the community from its impacts as the main priority,” said Haedar on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Haedar emphasized that the presence of the state is not enough merely through efforts to extinguish the fires. The government must also ensure health services, basic needs, and protection for communities affected by haze as well as environmental damage.
“Vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, up to residents with vulnerable health conditions need to receive special attention. Muhammadiyah assesses that the community has the right to obtain open information regarding environmental conditions and the protection steps that must be taken,” he said.
In addition to emergency handling, Muhammadiyah encouraged the government to carry out fundamental improvements to policies on the management of forests, land, and natural resources. That step is considered important to ensure that the interests of the people and environmental sustainability are not defeated by economic interests.
Haedar stated that the government needs to implement strategic policies in line with the constitution. Prevention of karhutla must be carried out throughout the year through consistent supervision and adequate resource support.
Muhammadiyah also asked the government to evaluate permits and business practices that have the potential to increase the risk of environmental damage. Abuse of authority, conflicts of interest, corruption, and collusion in the management of natural resources must be stopped.
Muhammadiyah Asks for Law Enforcement Without Discrimination
In its statement, Muhammadiyah affirmed that law enforcement must target all parties proven to have caused or worsened Karhutla. Both individuals and corporations.
Law enforcement officers were asked to investigate thoroughly and transparently the alleged burning, negligence, and other violations. Action must also reach parties who ordered, obtained benefits, protected the perpetrators, or obstructed the legal process.
Muhammadiyah also highlighted the importance of independent examinations into alleged involvement of officials as well as security and law enforcement personnel. Positions, power, and capital strength must not become obstacles to legal accountability.
On the other hand, the central and regional governments were asked to align policies as well as actions for prevention, handling, and recovery from karhutla. This coordination is considered important, especially in fire-prone areas in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
Governors, regents, mayors, sub-district heads, up to village heads and lurah were expected to ensure the implementation of policies runs in unison. Differences in authority between levels of government must not hinder efforts to protect the community.
Muhammadiyah also asked that the use of budgets, implementation of programs, and results of karhutla handling be accounted for openly. Including if negligence by officials is found.
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Business World Asked to Take Responsibility
Muhammadiyah reminded business actors not merely to fulfill administrative environmental requirements. But also to carry out real fire prevention obligations in their respective operational areas.
Companies or business actors proven responsible for the fires must face legal consequences. Then carry out recovery of damage and losses according to applicable provisions.
Recovery of forests and land must be carried out seriously so that environmental damage is not inherited by the next generation. Local communities and small farmers also need to obtain protection as well as assistance in managing land sustainably without burning. Recovery policies must be just and involve residents who are directly affected.
Muhammadiyah Deploys Organizational Elements
Beyond the responsibilities of the government and the business world, Muhammadiyah invited the community to play a role in preventing Karhutla by not opening or clearing land through burning. Residents were also encouraged to immediately report fires and alleged violations to the authorities.
Muhammadiyah also instructed all elements of the Organization. Including ‘Aisyiyah, autonomous organizations, the Environmental Council, and the Disaster Resilience Institution or Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC). Particularly to strengthen humanitarian assistance and services for affected residents.
Contributions were also expected to come from Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah universities. Namely through studies, environmental education, community service, mentoring, and advocacy.
“Karhutla must not be considered as a reasonable annual disaster that continues to burden the community. The government, apparatus, and the business world must prove seriousness. Through real actions to protect residents, take action against violations, and prevent recurring fires,” concluded Haedar. (aan/mzm)
