INTEGRATION OF ECO-THEOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW: PERSISTENCE OF FOREST AND LAND FIRE IN SOUTH SUMATRA 2026

Abstract

Forest and Land Fires (KARHUTLA) in South Sumatra are an ongoing ecological-social crisis driven primarily by land clearing for the expansion of oil palm plantations. This phenomenon fundamentally contradicts the principles of environmental theology regarding the integrity of creation and the responsibility of human stewardship. This study examines two main questions: (1) How can forest and land fires in South Sumatra be conceptualized as an ongoing ecological-social crisis? and (2) How can the implementation of criminal sanctions for forest fires in South Sumatra be strengthened through eco-theological education? The method used is a qualitative study with a library research approach, through secondary literature analysis in the form of environmental theology literature, South Sumatran environmental policies and regulations; and a 2026 report from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) documenting 1,723 forest and land fire incidents. The analysis was conducted using content analysis techniques. The results of the study indicate that current legal sanctions remain ineffective without being accompanied by a simultaneous spiritual transformation of the community. The study concludes that a holistic solution to forest and land fires requires an integrated approach encompassing three dimensions: strong legal enforcement, sustainable economic support mechanisms, and spiritual transformation of the South Sumatran community through eco-theological education.