Prabowo Holds Meeting on Forest and Land Fire Response

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a meeting with a number of ministers to discuss forest and land fires at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday (12 October).

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman said several ministers attended, either in person or online, including the military commander, the national police chief and the Ministry of Forestry.

“Today we are discussing forest and land fires, because he is very serious about dealing with them,” Dudung said at the palace.

Dudung said Prabowo was paying close attention to fires affecting several parts of Indonesia. The government would make every effort to address the problem, including smoke that has spread to neighbouring countries.

“The impact is felt in neighbouring countries, which is why he is very concerned. There are many peatlands that are difficult to extinguish,” he said.

Dudung added that he had prepared a presentation for Prabowo covering the response so far.

“What has been dealt with, the percentage completed, and the concrete steps we will take next, including which areas will be prioritised,” he said.

Forest and land fires have affected several parts of Indonesia. In West Kalimantan, 46 Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) have been evacuated and rescued.

The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the Indonesian Foundation for Orangutan Rehabilitation and Conservation (YIARI) said the orangutans had been rescued between August and 9 October 2026 during the fire season.

“At least 46 orangutans have been rescued from burned habitat. Providing safe habitat remains a further challenge for efforts to conserve this protected species,” said Murlan Dameria Pane, head of the West Kalimantan BKSDA, in Pontianak on Sunday (11 October).

Of those rescued, eight orangutans declared healthy began being relocated on 9 October to Batu Nyambu Protection Forest in Ketapang Regency. The relocation was the next stage after the animals were evacuated from burned habitat and underwent health checks and observation.

The effects of the fires have also been felt in Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra, where smoke still blanketed the area on Monday morning (12 October). Thick haze over the past five days has disrupted residents’ activities, particularly those of farmers who work outdoors.

Smoke remained dense around Tugu Mulyo subdistrict on Monday morning. Residents said air quality was unhealthy and was affecting daily activities and health; the haze also obscured views of the Barisan Mountains in Sumatra.

As well as reducing visibility, the smoke can affect respiratory health and irritate the eyes.