Forest Fire Minister Reports Decline in Hotspot Counts

The Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, stated that forest and land fire (karhutla) hotspots in several regions across Indonesia are experiencing a decline.

“Yesterday, Jambi had six hotspots, now only one remains. South Sumatra has dropped from 17 to 11. South Kalimantan has decreased from 68 to 23,” Raja Juli said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (24/9).

Raja Juli noted that one of his primary focuses today is Central Kalimantan, stating that the number of hotspots in the province has risen to 673. He emphasised that he is actively monitoring the situation and frequently conducting field inspections.

“However, I believe our main concentration remains in Central and South Kalimantan,” he added.

Raja Juli also mentioned that President Prabowo Subianto is paying close attention to forest fires occurring in peatlands. “I believe it is very positive that the President has such a concern regarding peatlands. We will likely discuss this further, and I will share the results of the limited cabinet meeting with everyone,” he said.

On Thursday (24/9), President Prabowo invited several academics to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta to discuss forest fire management. Attendees included Bagus Muljadi from Nottingham University, Azwar Maas from Gadjah Mada University, Zakaria Amsari from Tanjungpura University, and Indratmo Soekarno from ITB.

Additionally, several ministers were present, including the Head of BMKG, Teuku Faisal Fathani, and the Head of BRIN, Arif Satria.