PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan said he would retain a regional regulation protecting traditional farming practices. This came after protesters rallied outside the provincial legislative council (DPRD) building in Pontianak on Thursday, August 27.

Hundreds of people affiliated with the West Kalimantan People’s Alliance opposed a plan to revoke Regional Regulation No. 1/2022 on land clearing for farming based on local wisdom.

They argued that removing the regulation could expose traditional farmers to prosecution. It could disrupt practices that Indigenous communities have maintained for generations.

Norsan met the protesters and said he understood their concerns. He also said President Prabowo Subianto had not received a complete explanation of the regulation. The moment was when the president instructed the provincial administration to revoke it during the recent forest and land fire emergency.

“When the president told me to revoke the regulation, I knew he did not fully understand Regional Regulation No. 1/2022. He only knew about land burning and the causes of fires through the minister,” Norsan said, according to footage of Kalbaronline.

The governor then gave his clearest commitment to the demonstrators.

“I will not revoke Regional Regulation No. 1/2022. I only need strong reasons to discuss with the home affairs minister and the president. If necessary, customary leaders can accompany me,” he said.

Norsan explained that the provincial executive and legislature adopted the regulation to provide legal certainty for traditional farmers. They aimed not to allow uncontrolled burning. The regulation remained listed as effective in the West Kalimantan provincial legislation database when this report was prepared.

National environmental law also recognizes limited land clearing based on local wisdom. The explanation of Article 69(2) of Law No. 32/2009 limits the practice to two hectares per household for planting local varieties. The law requires farmers to surround the area with firebreaks.

The exemption does not authorize unrestricted burning or remove responsibility for fires that spread beyond the designated area. Indonesia’s national legislation database provides the law and its amendment history.

West Kalimantan DPRD chair Aloysius also supported retaining the regulation. “We will not revoke the regulation unless the law is repealed,” he said, as quoted by Aksaraloka.

A presidential or ministerial instruction does not automatically remove a regional regulation. Any repeal requires a formal regional legislative process. In addition, challenges to regulations below national laws may proceed through judicial review at the Supreme Court.

Constitutional Court (MK) rulings have previously invalidated provisions that allowed the central executive to unilaterally cancel regional regulations.

Norsan said the provincial administration would present its legal and social arguments to Jakarta while continuing to enforce wildfire-prevention rules.

“Do not worry. I will take action while considering the interests of the community. It is impossible for me to make my own people suffer, and I will prove that,” Norsan said.