Jayapura, Jubi – The communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) has issued a pastoral appeal calling for urgent action to address forest and land fires that have affected several regions across Indonesia.
The appeal was signed by PGI General Chairperson Reverend Jacklevyn F. Manuputty and General Secretary Reverend Darwin Darmawan.
In its pastoral appeal, titled Save Lives, Address Forest and Land Fires, PGI’s Daily Executive Board expressed deep concern over fires affecting Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua.
The organization described the fires as an ecological disaster that damages ecosystems, causes widespread suffering and threatens human life and the natural world.
PGI said smoke from the fires had polluted the air and posed serious health risks, particularly to children, pregnant women and older people.
The smoke had also disrupted education, healthcare services and economic activities, while people who had lost their livelihoods faced increasing hardship.
According to PGI, the smoke had crossed national borders, affecting communities in neighboring countries.
“We express our deep concern and solidarity with all those affected, both at home and abroad,” PGI said in a press release on Tuesday evening (13/10/2026).
The organization said the fires had destroyed habitats, killed wildlife, devastated plant life and threatened the survival of numerous species.
Damage to forest and land had also disrupted ecological balance, worsened the climate crisis and threatened biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities dependent on the natural environment, it said.
PGI acknowledged the efforts of firefighters, volunteers, health workers, local communities and others working to contain the fires and assist affected residents.
However, it said the ongoing and recurring fires required a faster, more comprehensive and sustained response.
Protecting human life, restoring ecosystem and preventing future fires must be shared priorities, the organization said.
In response, PGI issued five recommendations to the Indonesian government, law enforcement agencies, neighboring countries and church communities.
- Urgent and coordinated action
PGI called on the central and regional governments to take immediate, coordinated action to extinguish the fires, deploying sufficient personnel and resources.
Were necessary, cross-regional cooperation and international assistance should be mobilized to accelerate the response. Decisions should prioritize public safety and environmental protection, it said.
- Protection and assistance for affected communities
The organization urged governments and relevant stakeholders to ensure that affected communities received adequate protection and assistance.
This should include healthcare services, appropriate masks to reduce exposure to smoke particles, clean-air spaces and support for people who had lost their livelihoods.
Indigenous peoples and other vulnerable groups should receive particular attention. Communities should also have access to accurate, accessible information about current conditions, air quality and measures to protect themselves, PGI said.
- Investigation and law enforcement
PGI called on law enforcement agencies and oversight bodies to investigate to cause of the fires transparently, hold those found responsible accountable and strengthen monitoring of land clearing and management, including within concession areas.
Prevention measures and law enforcement must be applied consistently to stop the fires from recurring, it said.
“Economic interest must not be placed above human safety and environmental sustainability,” the organization said.
- Regional cooperation
PGI urged the Indonesian government and neighboring countries to strengthen cooperation in preventing and fighting forest and land fires, addressing transboundary haze, exchanging information and restoring ecosystems.
The organization said the cross-border nature of the crisis required shared responsibility, transparency and concrete action to protect communities across Southeast Asia.
- Support from churches, regional churches and Christian organization
PGI called on its member churches, regional church councils and Christian service organizations to demonstrate solidarity through prayer and practical assistance for affected communities.
Churches in affected areas were encouraged to provide shelter and support for people in need, help supply essential goods, assist struggling families and work with governments, humanitarian organizations and local communities.
Assistance should be provided to everyone in need, regardless of religion, ethnicity or social status, PGI said.
Churches were also urged to strengthen environmental education and encourage congregations to participate in fire prevention and environmental restoration.
PGI said the fires required a faith-based response, calling on people to care for one another and the natural world when communities suffered, forests were destroyed and wildlife lost in habitat.
“We pray that God will protect affected communities, strengthen everyone working to overcome this disaster, and grant the nation’s leaders the wisdom and courage to make fair, firm and responsible decisions,” the organization said.
“May we be empowered to care for the Earth as our common home, where humanity and all creation can live in God’s peace,” PGI said. (*)
