Fahutan IPB University Grants Clean Air Champion Award
In recognition of the efforts in controlling forest and land fires (karhutla) and promoting clean air for a better environment, the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan) at IPB University has once again conferred the Clean Air Champion Award. This time, the accolade extends to a national level.
The awards were presented by the Vice Rector of IPB University for Global Connectivity, Collaboration, and Alumni Relations, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar; The Dean of Fahutan, Prof Naresworo Nugroho; and Director of the Regional Forest Fire Management Resource Center-Southeast Asia (RFMRC-SEA), Prof Bambang Hero Saharjo, at the IPB International Conference Center (IICC) in Bogor.
According to the Decree of the Dean of Fahutan IPB University No. 39/IT3.F4/KP/2024 regarding the Determination of Clean Air Champion Award Recipients in Kalimantan Region, the national-level awardees are (1) Akhmad Tamanuruddin (Kalampangan Village, Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan); (2) Kamison (Village Forest Management Institution/LPHD, Tuwung); and (3) Sahat Irawan Manik, SH MM (Region II Section of the PPI Balai in Kalimantan).
Similarly, based on the Decree of the Dean of Fahutan IPB University No. 40/IT3.F4/KP/2024 concerning the Determination of Clean Air Champion Award Recipients in Sumatra Region, the national-level awardees are (1) Drs H Edward Candra, MH (Chairman of the Environmental and Land Office of South Sumatra Province)-individual; (2) Yozarwardi UP, SHut, MSi (Chairman of the Forestry Office of West Sumatra Province representing the Forestry Office of West Sumatra Province)-Team; and (3) Haris Suyanto (Manggala Agni Daops Sumatra XVII/OKI).
The Leader of the activity implementation team and selection committee, Prof Bambang Hero Saharjo, outlined the criteria and indicators for award recipients, serving as the basis for evaluation. These criteria include physical and mental health, high dedication, and wholehearted work.
Moreover, their work area must have remained fire-free for at least two years (2022-2023), as evidenced by satellite monitoring and on-site observations. “Even if the area experienced fires in 2022, a significant reduction in the number of fires occurred in 2023 due to maximum efforts,” explained the IPB University’s Forestry expert.
The awardees are also evaluated for their active participation in conducting training and socialization activities related to forest and land fire control, making their work areas a reference point for such efforts. Additionally, the rigorous selection process is supported by Senior Behavioural Scientists from Influence at Work (UK) Limited.
Following the award ceremony, a talk show was held featuring previous recipients of the Clean Air Champion Award. The aim was to exchange ideas regarding their contributions to forest and land fire control. Among the participants were the heads of the Environmental and Forestry Office of West Kalimantan Province, Muhammad Nur from Bengkalis Riau; Maimun from Ketapang, West Kalimantan; and Andrean from Manggala Agni Daops Siak, Riau.
On the same day, all award recipients and talk show participants also attended the “Green Campus Charm” event, a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and IPB University. The Minister of LHK, Secretary General of LHK, and other officials were present, alongside several IPB University leaders.
During the Green Campus Charm event, the PM 2.5 application, a collaboration between IPB University and Field Indonesia, was launched. Additionally, the Fire Simulator, a result of collaboration between IPB University and France, was introduced. IPB University, through the Regional Fire Management Resource Center, spearheaded these initiatives.
The award ceremony was also attended by Dr Raffless Panjaitan (Expert Staff of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry; Director of Forest and Land Fire Control at the Ministry of LHK; Director of Field Indonesia), as well as invited guests and award selection team members. (*/Rz) (IAAS/PRP)
