Prabowo Formulates Comprehensive Measures to Prevent Forest and Land Fires

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that he is currently formulating a comprehensive mitigation plan regarding the issue of forest and land fires (karhutla). These mitigation efforts aim to ensure that fire hotspots do not reappear periodically.

“I am arranging comprehensive prevention measures so that it does not recur every few years,” said Prabowo following a meeting with Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, on Friday (18/09/202scale).

It is noted that the meeting between Prabowo and Zahid discussed several areas of cooperation, including the management of forest fires. Prabowo mentioned that Malaysia will send assistance to handle the fires.

“Today, I have the honour of receiving a visit from the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and his delegation; he is an old friend, so he visited me and we discussed various issues,” said Prabowo.

The assistance includes one aircraft, three helicopters, and 52 members of a firefighting team to assist in managing forest fires in Indonesia. Prabowo is open to receiving this aid.

“Firstly, the Malaysian side has offered assistance, expressing a desire to help us overcome forest fires in Kalimantan. I have responded to this with gratitude and joy,” he said.

Prabowo believes that support from friendly nations demonstrates that the issue of forest fires is not solely Indonesia’s concern. In addition to Malaysia, Indonesia has also received assistance from Japan and several other countries that have offered support in managing forest fires.

“We have also received assistance from Japan. Furthermore, several other countries have offered help, so we are very grateful. This is an environmental issue that affects many parties; although the fires are in Indonesia, the impact is felt by our neighbours, so they wish to help us, and we welcome this warmly,” he added.