Gov’t Strengthens Forest-Fire Response in Kalimantan, Continues Recovery Support in NTT

President Prabowo Subianto Sunday (08/23) reviewed the implementation of government directives on  responding to forest and land fires in the island of Kalimantan and supporting post-earthquake recovery efforts in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province.

The review took place during a meeting with several ministers, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), and Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces at the President’s private residence in Hambalang, Bogor Regency.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said in a written statement that, from Sunday afternoon until evening, the President met several ministers and relevant officials to discuss several strategic issues. The meeting with the TNI leadership was the final session in the series of meetings.

“During the final meeting with Commander of the TNI and Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, the President discussed the implementation of his directives on assistance that had been ordered for distribution to Kalimantan Island and NTT province, particularly aid delivered by air,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

To strengthen the response to forest and land fires in Kalimantan, the Government deployed 17 additional water-bombing aircraft. The expanded aerial fleet is intended to accelerate firefighting operations in affected areas.

In addition to the aircraft, 1,500 extra personnel and their individual equipment were deployed to reinforce firefighting efforts in Kalimantan. The Government also sent 200 pumps and pipes to help extinguish underground peatland fires.

The President also discussed reconstruction and the recovery of communities affected by the earthquake in NTT. The Government continued to ensure that assistance reached affected areas and supported survivors’ recovery.

The Head of State also expressed appreciation for TNI and National Police (Polri) personnel involved in emergency-response operations, including efforts to tackle forest and land fires in Kalimantan, support post-earthquake in NTT, and provide public services in other regions.

“The President expressed his appreciation for the emergency response carried out by the TNI and Polri across various sectors throughout Indonesia,” the Cabinet Secretary added.

The Government continued to ensure that emergency response, public protection, and recovery efforts in affected areas were carried out promptly and effectively. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/EP)