Conservation X Lab hosted a discussion about fire issues in Indonesia on January 24-25, 2023, in Bali. Ranu Welum was invited, along with fifteen other experts, communities, and leaders, to define critical leverage points of the fire problem in Indonesia. Sumarni Laman, our Managing director, Jiansyah and Ardianto, Indigenous elders from Pilang village represented Ranu Welum for this meeting.
This is the first phase of the "Fire Grand Challenge," which aims for innovation and strong collective action to address fire issues that have harmed communities and ecosystems while also contributing to global climate disruption. "People have always lived with fire, but now the fires are changing with more frequent and high intensity. We have to find a way to live with the fire", said Marion Adeney, Director of Amazon and Fire Programs at Conservation X Labs.
Inadequate early warning systems to detect a fire inside peat soil, overlapping policy, discrimination against indigenous people, a lack of health protection for people during forest fires, and poor understanding of the long-term effects of fires were some takeaway points of the discussion.
We invited Jiansyah, a respected indigenous leader and firefighter from Pilang Village, to join us for the event. And he highlighted the vital role indigenous communities play in preventing and putting out forest fires.
Jiansyah explained about the technique he used in extinguishing fires.
Ramba, a Dayak community leader participated in the discussion.
"Knowing the topography and climate of the area is crucial before attempting to extinguish forest fires. We need to know the location of deep peat and wild animals. This is due to the fact that most forest fires happen in inaccessible areas of the forest. And local people know best about this, we also have our unique wisdom and tradition in managing the fire", said Jiansyah.
The opportunity for indigenous people to share their views on fire was a great benefit of this discussion that try to weave indigenous tradition and local wisdom with innovation and technology. More opportunities for Indigenous people and young people to have their voices heard in public, policy, and planning discussions are needed.
