President Prabowo's Swift Action on Kalimantan Forest Fires Draws Praise

The Indonesian Bureaucracy and Service Watch (IBSW) has expressed high appreciation for President Prabowo Subianto’s concrete steps in strengthening the handling of forest and land fires (karhutla) in the Kalimantan region. The government’s rapid response is considered key to preventing the wider environmental and social impacts.

IBSW Chairman Nova Andika stated that the President’s instruction to increase firefighting strength demonstrates a tangible state presence on the ground. The measures include the significant deployment of air assets and additional personnel.

‘IBSW appreciates President Prabowo’s concrete steps. The addition of water-bombing helicopter fleets and the deployment of TNI personnel show a government response that is fast, measured, and directly addresses needs on the ground,’ Andika said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday (24/8/2026).

Based on emergency handling data instructed by the President, the government has mobilised resources from outside Kalimantan to accelerate control of fire hotspots. Previously, President Prabowo flew directly to Kalimantan on Saturday (22/8/2026) to lead coordination of handling at the location. The agenda was followed by a limited meeting at his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor, on Sunday (23/8/2026) evening.

The limited meeting was attended by senior TNI officials, including TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto and the Chiefs of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In addition to evaluating the forest and land fires, the meeting also discussed post-earthquake recovery in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

While praising the emergency measures taken, IBSW reminded that handling forest and land fires must not stop at extinguishing the flames alone. Nova Andika stressed the importance of prevention and firm law enforcement against parties who deliberately burn land.

‘Firefighting is an emergency measure, but prevention and law enforcement must be part of the long-term solution. Do not let the same problem recur in the next season after the fires are out,’ Andika asserted.

IBSW also encouraged strengthening cross-agency coordination between ministries, regional governments, the National Police, and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The main focus must remain on public safety, especially protection from the impact of smoke and access to health services for affected residents.

‘IBSW supports every government step oriented towards the public interest and environmental protection. Handling forest and land fires must be carried out seriously from upstream to downstream,’ he concluded.