President Jokowi Warns TNI, Polri of Potential Forest and Land Fires

President Jokowi accompanied by Indonesian National Defense Forces’ (TNI) Commander Adm. Yudo Margono and National Police (Polri) Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo attends TNI and Polri Leaders’ Meeting of 2023 at The Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, on Wednesday (02/08). (Photo: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat /Lukas)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo once again reminded Chiefs of Military Regional Command and Regional Police to prevent and be cautious of potential forest and land fires as the commitment made seven years ago on the responsibility to tackle the fires.

“The commitment still stands, I have reminded about the commitment made seven years ago and it still stands until now. If a major fire breaks out in a province, then Chiefs of  Military Regional Command, Regional Police, and Military Resort Command should be responsible,” he affirmed in his press statement after giving directions in the TNI and Polri Leaders’ Meeting of 2023 at the The Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, on Wednesday (02/08).

Previously, since 2015, President Jokowi has frequently given warning to TNI and Polri at the regional level to tackle forest and land fires in their respective regions. Even, related leaders who fail to show the commitment may lost their positions.

Furthermore, the Head of State also reminded some provinces that are prone to forest and land fires, such as Riau, North Sumatra, and Kalimantan, to be cautious of the El Niño phenomenon which is estimated to occur at the end of February to March 2023.

“The El Niño may cause forest and land fires, so be cautious, I have warned Riau, North Sumatra, and Kalimantan provinces because at the end of this February, the heat may increase,” he mentioned. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (AW/MMB)