AFoCO Kicks Off the Training of Trainers on Peatland Fire Suppression in Indonesia

The Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), in collaboration with Institut pertanian Bogor(IPB) University of Indonesia, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and the Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia, officially launched the Training of Trainers on Forest Fire Suppression in Peatland on 21 April 2025 in Bogor, Indonesia. The two-week training program, running until 2 May, convenes 19 participants from four (4) AFoCO Member Countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Timor-Leste – for an intensive and collaborative learning experience. Importantly, this program marks AFoCO’s first forest fire training held in Indonesia, representing a major milestone in strengthening fire management capacities and regional cooperation with the host country.

Organized as a flagship activity under the Forest Fire Management in Asia (FFMA) Initiative, this course provides a comprehensive curriculum designed specifically to address peatland fires – a critical type of forest fire that is highly prevalent in Southeast Asia. Known for their underground combustion, persistent smoke, and extensive transboundary impacts, peat fires pose a severe threat to forest ecosystems, climate stability, and public health. The training combines theoretical lectures, simulation-based exercises in IPB University, Bogor and practical fieldwork in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, equipping participants with the tools and knowledge to respond effectively to such complex fire events.

Opening Ceremony: A Strong Start for Regional Commitment

The Opening Ceremony, held at IPB University, welcomed representatives from all partner organizations and reaffirmed the shared vision to build technical and institutional capacity in forest fire management.

Dr. Yeongjoo Lee, Head of the AFoCO Regional Education and Training Center (RETC), emphasized that participants are not only here to learn, but to become future trainers who will implement national training activities and promote a multiplier effect across their countries. He highlighted the alignment of this training with the FFMA Initiative’s goals of sustainability and cooperation.

Representing IPB University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agus Purwito, Secretary of the Board, underscored the university’s long-standing contributions to fire research and education in the region. He emphasized the importance of science-based and community-driven approaches, referencing IPB’s leadership in establishing the RFMRC-SEA and supporting regional policy through academic engagement.

Mr. Vincent Pairault ,Lieutenant Colonel, French MOFA from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs referred to the training as a symbol of international partnership and expressed France’s ongoing support in advancing simulation-based training and technical cooperation for fire suppression.

Dr. Gun Gun Hidayat, Director of the Center for Sustainable Forest Development, Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia, introduced Manggala Agni, Indonesia’s specialized forest fire task force center, and outlined the country’s integrated fire management system. He welcomed the opportunity to host field training in Ketapang, highlighting the importance of real-world practice in improving operational readiness.

Dr. Dian Sukmajaya, Senior Officer of the ASEAN Secretariat, reaffirmed the potential for policy alignment between the FFMA Initiative and ASEAN’s regional frameworks, and encouraged participants to act as knowledge connectors across countries and institutions.

Mr. Ha Kyungsoo, Counsellor and Forestry Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Indonesia, introduced Korea’s recent experience with catastrophic forest fire and reaffirmed the Korea Forest Service’s commitment to FFMA Initiative. He also expressed the Embassy’s intention to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia in wildfire and forest disaster response.

Training Declaration & Plaque Presentation

During the ceremony, a participant from Indonesia, representing the entire group, delivered a Training Declaration, affirming the participants’ collective commitment to continuously learn, share, and lead forest fire training activities in their respective countries.

AFoCO also presented Plaques of Appreciation to recognize institutional contributions to the successful organization of the program. Plaques were awarded to IPB University, for its academic and logistical support, and to the Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia, in recognition of its first formal collaboration with AFoCO.

Technical Focus and FFMA Alignment

Throughout the training, participants will be exposed to practical and field-oriented sessions covering topics such as peat fire behavior analysis, water management and fire suppression strategies, proper use of PPE and safety protocols, and scenario-based simulation exercises. They will also present national case studies and work in groups to develop country-specific action plans for future training implementation.

This training not only addresses the technical complexities of peatland fires but also reinforces regional cooperation under the FFMA framework. It serves as a platform for peer learning, institutional partnership, and long-term capacity development.

Toward Safer Forests and Resilient Communities

As AFoCO’s first forest fire training organized in Indonesia, this program marks a significant step forward in deepening cooperation with the host country and building a regionally cohesive response to climate-induced forest fire challenges.

AFoCO remains committed to designing and delivering targeted, practical, and inclusive training programs that meet the evolving needs of its Member Countries. Through sustained partnerships and technical exchange, AFoCO continues to promote resilient forests and safer communities across Asia.

Submitted by Kiwon Kim, Program Officer, Capacity-Building and Evaluation Team