Indonesian Women Fight Fire with Mamas' Power

Indonesia faces renewed fears of severe wildfires and haze, exacerbated by an impending Super El Nino predicted to shorten the rainy season. The country's vast, drained peatlands are highly combustible, with fires proving incredibly difficult to extinguish once ignited, especially those smoldering underground.

In response to past devastating haze events, which caused significant health issues and excess deaths, women in Kalimantan have organized. Siti Nuriani leads the 'Power of Mama' initiative, a team of 123 women from eight villages who patrol forests to identify and combat fires.

These women, often housewives, are trained in using motorbikes, drones, and even portable water pumps, gaining confidence and new skills. Their efforts also contribute to protecting endangered orangutans by safeguarding their forest habitats from fire. The initiative, supported by conservation charities, aims to empower women and implement effective fire prevention strategies.

The 'Power of Mama' group faces challenges, including initial ridicule from some villagers. However, their persistent efforts are beginning to influence local farmers and change attitudes towards fire management. This organized community response is critical given Indonesia's status as the world's largest palm oil producer, a sector often linked to land clearing fires.