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The Mentaya Seberang community has put a stop to slash and burning.
2015 was a devastating year… Indonesia’s highest record of forest fires recorded within the last two decades as according to the country’s ministry of forest and environment. A total of 2,61 million hectares spanning from 31 provinces, and within that, 17 of those hectares belonged to Ibu Murni’s rubber plantation. So close to harvest, and gone within mere minutes from a wave of blazing fire.
Since then, the Mentaya Seberang community has put a stop to slash and burning. The harm it has caused, harbored a sense of grief, disappointment, urgency and understanding to make a change. On top of the effects that they saw before their eyes, the consequences from laws and regulations In 2019, Ibu Murni and many others joined the newly developed fire patrol (RSA) that was developed by the Katingan Mentaya Project - fueling the urge to protect the forest. In a male-dominated group, Ibu Murni is one of 4 women. Groups of 3-4 would scout the forest, becoming guardians for a span of 3 days at a time. The patrol group strategizes their own methods and approach to prevent fires, independent from KMP’s.
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Part of the team’s task is to spread awareness about the dangers of slash and burning their way to reset their field for cultivation. Seemingly straight forward, and especially after the fire in 2015 - many refused to adhere and cooperate. This challenge came at a mind-boggling surprise for Ibu Murni and others. Though they never gave up, and continued to convince the masses. When they began to work with the community’s own forest fire awareness group (MPA), the fruits of their labour began to show, cooperation came little by little. Today, communities are one of the main sources of information regarding fires.
One of the main challenges of fire patrol comes to transport. As peatlands are very prone to burning, motored vehicles over land aren’t an option. At times, when the tide rises - taking the boat to the fire hotspots is an option - a very convenient one. Otherwise, the only choice is to walk… deep into the forest carrying heavy equipment. All with the belief that they are the saviours of the forest.
Three years on since the fire patrol’s inception, forest fires have significantly reduced. “When a hotspot reveals itself, we’re there to extinguish it before it spreads its flames” as Ibu Murni puts it. Managing her own rubber plantation, selling groceries and becoming a protector of the forest all at once is no easy feat, and yet Ibu Murni thrives. Once an unsung hero, today her name is sung.
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