Prabowo to Increase Helicopter Fleet to Tackle Forest Fires: We Need Hundreds

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will increase the helicopter fleet to address forest and land fires (karhutla).

“We need hundreds of helicopters for water bombing. We need them. I have already ordered several large aircraft for water bombing,” said Prabowo during the ‘President Answers’ programme, as reported by the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (Bakornas) on Wednesday (16/9).

Prabowo also pledged to increase the capacity of agencies responsible for disaster management. He expressed his determination to enhance Indonesia’s mitigation capabilities in facing various natural disasters, including forest and land fires.

“I am determined to improve our mitigation capabilities. The agencies (tasked) with facing disasters must be strengthened,” he said.

Prabowo reminded the public of Indonesia’s geographical position within the Ring of Fire. He stated that Indonesia is located in a region that is highly active volcanically and seismically.

Prabowo noted that Indonesia sits at the meeting point of the world’s tectonic plates, making it prone to natural disasters. However, he mentioned that Indonesia is also blessed with abundant natural resources.

Amidst these disasters, Indonesia’s soil produces extraordinary minerals, such as gold and rare earth elements, which are currently in high demand. “Now, it is a matter of how we manage our country. Therefore, we must have a country and institutions that are efficient,” he said.

To this end, he mentioned that since taking office, he will always implement budget efficiencies. The President even personally audits the budgets within every ministry.

“When I took over the government, I checked the budgets. Every ministry has a budget for anniversaries, and it is not a small amount. I have eliminated them. There is no need for anniversary celebrations,” he stated.