President Prabowo, Malaysian Deputy PM Strengthen Cooperation in Forest, Land Fire Management

President Prabowo Subianto on Friday (09/18) received Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, at the President’s private residence in Hambalang, Bogor regency, West Java province. During the meeting, they discussed various issues, including cooperation in forest and fire management.

“He is an old friend of mine. He visited me and we discussed various issues. First, the Malaysian government offered assistance to support our efforts to handle forest fires in Kalimantan. I responded to their offer with gratitude, with open arms,” President Prabowo said.

The assistance, he said, will be sent in the near future. The Malaysian government will deploy one aircraft, three helicopters, and 52 firefighting personnel to assist Indonesia in battling severe forest and land fires.

“We have experienced it a couple of years ago. Following our experience, I am drawing up comprehensive preventive measures to prevent the reoccurrence of the fires in the years to come,” he added.

On that occasion, President Prabowo stated that support from friendly countries for Indonesia proves that forest fires have become a common concern, not only for Indonesia. In addition to Malaysia, Japan also sent assistance to Indonesia, while several other countries offered assistance in managing forest and land fires.

“This is an environmental issue that affects many parties. Although the fires are taking place in Indonesia, their impact is felt by our neighboring countries. Therefore, they wish to assist us, and we gratefully accept their help,” he firmly said.

The meeting also discussed both leaders’ views on potential bilateral cooperation, including in halal industry. President Prabowo also underscored the importance of maintaining good relations with Malaysia.

“We cannot let any issues disturbing us turn out into problems that are prone to be blown up. Indonesia and Malaysia are brothers. We must cooperate and maintain our good relations. That’s what I need to say. Thank you,” he said.

At the meeting, President Prabowo was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/TM)