President Prabowo Ensures Forest, Land Fires Will Soon Be under Control

President Prabowo Subianto ensured that the Government continues to strengthen efforts to tackle forest and land fires across several areas of Kalimantan. The Government prioritized mitigation measures to halt the spread of the fires and to prevent the emergence of new hotspots.

The President made the statement in a press conference after holding a meeting with relevant officials at the Forward Command Post for Central Kalimantan Forest and Land Fire Management, located in the Tjilik Riwut Airport area, Palangka Raya, on Saturday (08/22).

“I have seen the situation and we are continuously monitoring it. We are taking mitigation measures. Most importantly, we must immediately stop the spread of the fires and the emergence of additional hotspots. Alhamdulillah, these efforts are continuing,” the President told the press.

During the meeting, the President received direct reports from relevant officials regarding the developing situation on the ground, including various needs to strengthen the land and forest fire management operations. The Head of State emphasized that the Government would strive to meet these needs to ensure that the response could be carried out optimally.

“All officials have reported their needs, and we are working to meet them. Every day, we are adding helicopters, tools, water drilling machines. We will provide all the necessary supplies,” the President stated.

The President also expressed his optimism that the forest and land fires could soon be brought under control. He based this confidence on Indonesia’s experience in dealing with forest fires in previous years under even more severe conditions.

“I hope we can bring this situation under control soon. If we look at the history over the years, there were times in the past when we had to face much more severe situations and we were able to overcome them. So, I believe we will overcome this soon,” the Head of State emphasized.

In addition to ensuring the strengthening of firefighting operations and the fulfillment of needs on the ground, the President also expressed concern over the possibility of intentional forest and land burning by corporations. The President stressed that the Government would not hesitate to take action against any violation found and legally proven.

“We must take action, and we will take action. If it is truly proven, yes, we will take action. We will act in accordance with the laws and regulations,” the President firmly stated. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (YA/TM)