Implementasi Asas Otonomi Daerah Berdasarkan Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2014 dalam Penanganan Kebakaran Hutan dan Lahan

Forest and land fires (karhutla) remain a major environmental challenge in Indonesia. This study analyzes the implementation of the regional autonomy principle under Law Number 23 of 2014 on Regional Government in addressing forest and land fires, identifies the challenges faced by local governments, and assesses the effectiveness of regional autonomy in improving coordination, prevention, and mitigation. The research employs a normative juridical approach through library research on legislation, scientific literature, and official government data. The findings indicate that regional autonomy has enabled local governments to establish policies and institutions supporting fire management, including Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD), Fire Control Task Forces, and community-based prevention programs. However, implementation faces obstacles such as limited budgets, human resources, and facilities, weak inter-agency coordination, and low public participation. Regional autonomy has improved coordination and emergency response, yet remains suboptimal due to continued dependence on central government support in technology, funding, and law enforcement. Therefore, strengthening local institutional capacity, cross-sectoral coordination, and community participation is essential for more effective and sustainable environmental governance.