Vulnerability to Forest and Land Fires (Karhutla) and The Concessions Within

Pantau Gambut has published a subsequent study on the vulnerability to the forest and land fires (Karhutla) within the KHG zone. While the first study focused on vulnerability within the KHG area, this second study by Pantau Gambut specifically examines concessions, particularly those related to plantation and forestry. The study categorizes vulnerability into two concession areas: vulnerability within the HGU (plantation) and vulnerability within the IUPHHK (timber forest concession). 

Here are some key notes from the second volume of the study on the vulnerability to forest and land fires (Karhutla): 

1. Approximately 54% of the total 3.8 million hectares of high-risk areas within the KHG are located within concessions and their buffer zones. 
2. Concessions operating in Kalimantan Island dominate the high-risk concessions, with 8 out of the top 10 companies with the highest vulnerability level operating on this island. 
3. PT Sangkowong Sinta, a palm oil plantation company in Central Kalimantan, has the largest area of high vulnerability among HGU (plantation) companies. 
4. Several companies holding IUPHHK permits affiliated with the Sinarmas Group feature among the top 10 companies operating in high-risk areas prone to forest and land fires. PT Bumi Mekar Hijau, operating in South Sumatra, has the widest high vulnerability area among IUPHHK-concession companies. 
5. Based on historical data and existing conditions, the potential for forest and land fires is predicted to occur from February to March, followed by July to October. 
6. Pantau Gambut identified 3,431 hotspots during the period from January to April 2023 and suspected that forest and land fires had occurred in at least 19 locations, with Dumai City and Bengkalis Regency experienced the highest number of incidents. 
7. Nine out of the top 10 highest vulnerabilities in HGU concessions are located in areas that have experienced multiple fires (burned areas). Similarly, among IUPHHK concessions, 8 out of the top 10 highest vulnerability areas have experienced multiple fires. Furthermore, 50% of the concessions in the top 10 highest vulnerability list have been involved in legal processes related to forest and land fires. 

Table 1. HGU Concessions with High Vulnerability