RI To Raise Land, Forest Fire Prevention Effrots At Climate Meet

Jakarta, Nov 27 (Antarariau.com) - Indonesia will raise the issue of forest fire prevention and peatland rehabilitation efforts at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP-21) of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNCCC) in Paris next week.

"The main point is how to a recurrence of forest fires, particularly those caused by human beings. But if these are caused by natural factors, then we sometimes find it difficult to predict them. However, we need to affirm our preparedness (to deal with them)," National Development Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil said here on Friday.

He gave the assurance that the government is serious about preventing a recurrence of forest and peatland fires and will soon rehabilitate the damaged peatland.

"And we will not issue new permits for the use of peatland," he said.

At the meeting, Indonesia will reiterate its pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 29 percent in 2030.

Indonesia has prepared the Intended Nationality Determined Contribution (INDC) document which contains the efforts required and the process of achieving the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29 percent in 2030. The target represents a three percent increase, compared to the target for 2020.

Sofyan said the government, working to reduce carbon emission, will later focus on the energy, transportation, waste treatment, food and other sectors.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is scheduled to attend the COP 21 United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC), along with 147 leaders from other countries, to speak about several efforts to anticipate climate change.

Indonesian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said here on Thursday that as an island state, Indonesia is among countries most affected by the impact of climate change.

For this purpose, Indonesia has prepared documents and plans to unveil a special mission during the climate change conference in Paris.

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said recently that a meeting with several officials, led by President Jokowi, had been held to discuss preparations for the climate change conference.