TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-President Joko Widodo is reportedly preparing a government regulation in lieu of law (Perpu) to address haze from forest fires. One of the clauses will prohibit clearance and concessions on peatland protected areas.
Non-governmental organization Sawit Watch explained, the issue has become the focus of environmentalists. “When the moratorium [of new licenses] was extended in 2013, Sawit Watch has launched a petition to maintain the moratorium, at least not to revoke it,” said Karlo Nainggolan of Sawit Watch, on Sunday, November 1.
Karlo urged the government to repeal Minister of Agriculture Regulation of the year 2009 on Guidelines for Peatland Utilization For Oil Palm Cultivation, and keep peat governance in Indonesia integrated.
"If there is a decree to prohibit premits [on peatlands], but keep the opportunity for cultivation open, then it will create a gap for legal irregularities," Karlo said.
Moreover, according to Karlo, the government must also restore and rehabilitate peatlands, especially on burnt areas by involving independent experts.
Sawit Watch did not dismiss the fact that local communities also burn their fields in preparation for cultivation. However, they say law enforcement has not been fair towards local communities compared to big businesses.
REZKI ALVIONITASARI
