Indonesia palm oil producers on alert as Sumatra fires coincide with peak harvest

Indonesia’s palm oil industry is on high alert as forest and peatland fires intensify across Sumatra, posing a risk to operations in key plantation areas and raising concerns of production disruptions during the peak harvest season. April Group, one of the largest pulp and paper producers operating in Riau, told The Business Times that it remains fully operational while maintaining heightened vigilance. “In the weeks ahead, our fire response teams remain on high alert,” said Craig Tribolet, deputy director of sustainability at April Group. “We continue to coordinate closely with local communities and government authorities to prevent fire outbreaks and protect our plantations, conservation areas, and surrounding villages.” Tribolet said April Group has implemented a no-burn policy since 1993 and follows a fire management strategy focused on prevention, preparedness, suppression and recovery. Riau Province, one of Indonesia’s largest palm oil-producing regions, has declared a state ...