Palembang, The Indonesia Post – The South Sumatra (Sumsel) Provincial Government plans to explore cooperation with PT. Sinar Mas in controlling forest and land fires (karhutlah), through the development and utilization of abandoned land.
Taking place in the South Sumatra Governor’s Guest Room, on Thursday (13/3/2025) afternoon, this was conveyed directly by the Governor of South Sumatra Province Herman Deru when receiving an audience with the leadership of PT. Sinar Mas, which in this case was attended by the President Commissioner of PT. OKI Pulp Suhendra Wiriadinata, Director of PT Asia Pulp and Paper Suwarso, Director of PT OKI Pulp Efendy, and Director of PT OKI Pulp Gadang Hartawan.
The Governor of South Sumatra Province Herman Deru appreciated the initiative of PT Sinar Mas which is committed to continuing to support the efforts of the South Sumatra Provincial Government to prevent forest and land fires, especially in this case planning to use the method of development and utilization of abandoned land.
“On behalf of the South Sumatra provincial government and the entire community, I would like to thank PT Sinar Mas, this information is very important. Our goal is to reduce forest and land fires, the bonus is to add tree plantations, we (the South Sumatra Provincial Government) are ready to back this up,” he said.
According to Herman Deru, one way to reduce forest and land fires is to maintain abandoned land, because it is the easiest and also cheaper than extinguishing it.
“I want the plants that are planted to be productive, if possible like liberica coffee, so the cycle is good, there is environmental improvement and people’s income can increase,” he said.
Herman Deru instructed the relevant Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) to intensively discuss this collaboration with PT Sinar Mas and related parties, starting from the permits and also the location of the area to be developed.
“I ask for a report in the next week, at least there is an embryo or a potential map. This is our strategic step together to protect the South Sumatra Province from forest and land fires,” he said.
Meanwhile, the President Commissioner of PT. OKI Pulp Suhendra Wiriadinata said that his party will support what is the program of the South Sumatra Provincial Government, especially its economic growth which leads to the welfare of the people of South Sumatra Province.
Regarding the control of forest and land fires, Suhendra emphasized that OKI Pulp will commit to working together with the South Sumatra provincial government to prevent forest and land fires.
“Because if forest and land fires occur, we will also be affected, the prevention is the abandoned land in the OKI area, the financing is managed by Sinar Mas, the maintenance and will involve the community in managing the land,” he said. (ojn/ril)
Comment