Mongabay · Climate & nature

Indonesian Rubber Growers Use Traditional Methods Against Wildfires

Wildfires, exacerbated by El Niño, are threatening rubber plantations in South Sumatra, Indonesia, forcing local communities to rely on traditional methods for protection.

Sumanti, a rubber farmer, used her motorcycle to reach her family as a wildfire approached their land. Her family, along with five other families dependent on rubber and latex production in the area, were on the front lines of the crisis.

The families used 35-liter water canisters and fertilizer sprayers, typically used for soil treatment, to combat the flames. They spent hours hauling water from a nearby swamp to douse the fire.

Despite their efforts, the fire continued to spread through the dry brush and bamboo for two hours. A crucial water source, known as a 'paye,' located in the forest and plantations, had dried up, hindering their firefighting capabilities.

The smoke from these Indonesian wildfires has spread to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore, highlighting the regional impact of the fires.

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