Wildfires and deforestation are a major threat to the island of Borneo. In Borneo, the ‘Power of Mama’ fight Indonesia’s wildfires with all-woman crew.
In the verdant expanses of Borneo, a groundbreaking team called The Power of Mama is not only fighting fires but also shattering long-standing gender stereotypes. Comprised of the island’s first-ever female firefighters, these women are at the forefront of wildlife conservation, transforming societal attitudes and striving to secure a sustainable future for the coming generations.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
The Lethal Consequences of Wildfire Smoke
Wildfires pose a significant health risk to Indonesians, but the most vulnerable—children under five—bear the brunt of this environmental hazard. In 2019, a pervasive haze exacerbated by wildfires severely affected these young populations. Research indicates that women and children are disproportionately exposed to ambient air pollution, largely due to the indoor burning of fuels prevalent in Indonesia’s rural homes. Outdoors, the risks multiply for children under five; their rapid breathing rates and underdeveloped immune systems make them particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of wildfire smoke.
According to UNICEF, the United Nations children’s fund, approximately 2.4 million Indonesian children under the age of five lived in the regions most heavily impacted by the 2019 haze. This exposure is not only a direct threat to their health but also a lingering concern for their developmental prospects.
Peatlands cover about 3% of the global land area yet store more carbon than all other vegetation types combined, as noted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). When these peat-rich areas are subjected to slash-and-burn tactics, the resulting fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish, posing extended health risks to local communities and contributing significantly to global carbon emissions.
The Power of Mama
In a region where traditional roles often limit women to domestic duties, the emergence of all-woman crew firefighters marks a significant cultural shift. The Power of Mama—50 strong, ranging in age from 25 to 50, many of whom are mothers and even grandmothers—takes on physically demanding and critical roles in fire prevention and firefighting, roles traditionally dominated by men.
Supported by YIARI, a partner organization of the International Animal Rescue (IAR) in Indonesia, The Power of Mama plays a vital role in protecting forests and the endangered orangutan populations they shelter. As wildfires, locally known as Karhutla, ravage Indonesia’s rainforests, these women are on the front lines, battling to save these critical habitats from destruction and the dire repercussions of climate change.
The group patrols four fire-prone areas in West Borneo—Pematang Gadung, Sungai Besar, Sungai Awan Kiri, and Sukamaju—on motorbikes and on foot. They work tirelessly to identify and extinguish fires, engage with local farmers on sustainable land management practices, and during the rainy season, they aid communities affected by flooding.
The Power of Mama’s Approach:
- Community Engagement: They discuss non-destructive land clearing methods with farmers, helping to shift away from the traditional slash-and-burn techniques.
- Education and Support: They provide crucial information on waste management and waterway maintenance to prevent flooding, enhancing community resilience.
- Conservation Efforts: Their daily patrols and proactive measures protect the habitats of critically endangered species like the orangutan.
Mrs. Mai, a leader within The Power of Mama, encapsulates the spirit of the group: “We are a group of mothers who take action to protect the forest around us. I play an active role in patrols to prevent forest and land fires, as well as in communicating with local communities about how we can all contribute to the health, well-being, and safety of our families and community.”
Their efforts come at a crucial time. Predictions of an El Niño event in late 2023 suggest that global temperatures might reach new highs in 2024, increasing the frequency and severity of heatwaves, droughts, and forest fires. The need for effective and sustained fire prevention strategies has never been more urgent.
As they redefine the roles women can play in their communities, The Power of Mama not only protects the environment but also empowers its members financially and socially. These women have transcended poverty and marginalization, embodying the potential for females to achieve and inspire. They are living proof that women can fulfill ambitious goals and empower the next generation to uphold the same values.
Lead image courtesy of The International Animal Rescue Indonesia Foundation (YIARI).
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