President Jokowi Instructs New Riau Governor to Prevent Wildfire

Governor of Riau Syamsuar, accompanied by Deputy Governor Edy Nasution, answers questions from the journalists after the inauguration at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (20/2). Photo by: Oji/PR

President Joko ‘Jokowi” Widodo has instructed newly-appointed Governor of Riau Syamsuar and Deputy Governor Edy Nasution to prevent wildfire in the region.

“President Jokowi said that we should prevent wildfire, which will give negative impact for many people,” Syamsuar told the journalists after his inauguration at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (20/2).

Syamsuar added that President Jokowi has a very big concern about forest and land fires since Riau Province is very close to Singapore and Malaysia. The Governor said that he will work with local governments and the Regional Agency for Disaster Management (BPBD) to increase public awareness in preventing wildfire.

Syamsuar also said that he will determine the status of wildfire to allow funding allocation for combating wildfire.

On that occasion, Syamsuar stated that Riau Provincial Government will soon propose Regional Regulation on twelve year free education to ensure that all children in Riau can access senior high school.

He went on to say that his Administration will improve healthcare, especially in hospitals, to support Social Security Provider Body for the Health (BPJS Kesehatan) as well as will improve regional assets and financial management.

“We will also provide call center to facilitate the public to submit their complaints to Governor and Deputy Governor so that we can quickly solve the complaints,” Syamsuar said, adding that he will also provide a video conference facilities to connect Provincial Government with local governments.

Regarding the corruption issue, Syamsuar stated that on 30 January he has met with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to inform the Commission on updated situation in Riau.

“The KPK has offered their advice on procurement, human capital, auction, asset management, and Regional Government-Owned Enterprises (BUMD) management to prevent corruption in the future,” Syamsuar said, adding that he and Deputy Governor Edy Nasution are committed to preventing corruption under their Administration. (DNA/FID/OJI/AGG/ES)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Edited by: Yuyu Mulyani