A group of resilient women has risen to confront Indonesia’s ongoing wildfire crisis with an initiative known as the “Power of Mama.” This amazing all-woman crew, formed in 2022, aims to combat wildfires and raise awareness of the dangers in the Indonesian part of Borneo.
The urgency of their mission became clear during the 2019 wildfire crisis when Ely Marlina’s 2-year-old child fell seriously ill due to respiratory complications caused by the wildfires in the Ketapang district. Meanwhile, Maimun, from a nearby village, had also had a sad experience as her mother battled lung disease, which had been made worse by the wildfire smoke, thick haze and air pollution.
The 2019 wildfires became worse, affecting the health of vulnerable individuals and disrupting education, as schools closed for three weeks due to air pollution. Research shows that women and children, particularly those under 5, feel the force of health risks from wildfire smoke and air pollution in Indonesia’s rural areas.
In response to this crisis, women from the Ketapang region, led by the determination of Ely and Maimun, joined forces with YIARI (IAR’s conservation implementation partners in Indonesia) to establish the “Power of Mama”. Together, YIARI and these inspirational women set out on a mission to take on the wildfire crisis plaguing their communities.
The use of fire in land cultivation, deeply ingrained in Indonesian practices for its low cost and efficiency, has become increasingly perilous. Deforestation and drainage have dried out peatlands, putting them at risk of fires and posing severe threats to health and the environment. Peat, covering about 3% of the world’s land area, stores more carbon than all other vegetation combined, making it crucial to protect.
The idea for Borneo’s first women’s firefighting squad emerged when a local farmer set a fire using a traditional method. Unfortunately, the farmer failed to stop the fire, progressing beyond where he had planned. This led to the birth of the Power of Mama.
These dedicated women now take daily patrols of the fire-prone areas during the dry season. Their focus is very much on prevention rather than firefighting. In the rainy season, they shift their approach to outreach, educating and encouraging farmers to adopt alternative methods and cease using fire. The Power of Mama also helps in mangrove rehabilitation and educates children on responsible land and wildlife conservation and management.
The Power of Mamas have overcome many challenges with their determined approach, such as when volunteers used drinking water to extinguish a fire. Working closely with YIARI’s social conservation team, the group has evolved from humble beginnings to a team of 92 women armed with water pumps, fire hoses, and portable tanks.
The Power of Mama is just one element of IAR’s holistic conservation programme (IARconserves) where we work alongside communities and implement innovative initiatives that benefit both people and nature. The ‘Mamas’ impact extends beyond firefighting; they contribute to orangutan conservation by patrolling areas near orangutan habitats.
YIARI is studying the Power of Mama’s ground impact, reflecting on the organisation’s growth since its establishment in 2022. The Power of Mama, with 92 women volunteers across six villages in Ketapang, signifies a transformative force.
Their future plans include expanding their work with farmers’ groups and focusing on capacity building and fire prevention strategies. By supporting farmers in intensifying production on existing land, the Power of Mama aims to prevent fires and enhance farmers’ incomes.
The Power of Mama is not just about extinguishing fires; it’s about empowering women, building confidence, and positively impacting society. As the women of Power of Mama continue to make a difference, their story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the battle against wildfires in Borneo.