Forest Fire Management, Indonesia. Terminal statement

The project made a start on an effective system of detection and rapid initial intervention to identify and suppress forest fires before they become uncontrollable. This aspect was demonstrated in two pilot areas, Baluran National Park, Java, and Way Kambas National Park in the Lampung Province of Sumatra, for which fire management plans were prepared. It is considered, however, that implementation of the following recommendations will go a long way towards protecting Indonesia's forests.1. The fire-prevention plan for the whole country which was prepared during the project should be implemented to ensure full protection of its forests, soils, and biodiversity, and to guarantee a sustained supply of forest products.2. GOI should implement a long-range full-scale forest fire management project. A project document was prepared which proposed an improved integrated system of forest fire management to be constructed along the lines presented previously in a proposed Indonesian Forest Fire Management Plan. These plans should be implemented in the same way as those prepared for the pilot demonstration areas in East Java and Lampung provinces. Effective implementation of these plans would significantly reduce the adverse effects of forest fires that are certain to occur during future dry seasons. The transfer of knowledge and expertise could be further disseminated to forest units other than Way Kambas and Baluran National Parks. GOI should also implement the local prevention plans as prepared by the National Prevention Specialist/Consultant. The implementation of these prevention plans would provide an immediate return by reducing the number of forest fires that occur.3. The Government authorities will need to establish a funding mechanism and budget for forest fire management at the national, provincial and lower levels. By providing a line- item budget for forest fire protection, GOI would immediately improve the efficiency of the local forest units in forest fire prevention and suppression. These funds would provide fire- fighting equipment, training, and actual suppression activities.4. GOI should establish a forest fire information and data collection system at the national and provincial levels. Accurate information on numbers of fires, their causes, losses incurred, suppression costs and the resulting damages would materially assist in developing a more effective forest fire management system for Indonesia. Such a data collection system is needed regardless of other forest fire management projects, proposals and activities