President Prabowo Subianto has instructed maximum and coordinated management of forest and land fires to anticipate the spread of fires across several regions of Indonesia. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi conveyed the president's directive at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on Monday, amid escalating fire risks from dry conditions and strengthening El Niño.
Prasetyo said multiple hotspots have occurred across various regions, with the highest concentration in West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan. Significant fires have also broken out in East Java, particularly in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area, he added.
The government is strengthening coordination with the East Java Provincial Government, the TNI, the National Police, the Ministry of Forestry, and national park management to accelerate fire suppression and prevent the spread of fires. In addition to optimising ground-based fire suppression, the government is coordinating with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency regarding the possibility of conducting weather modification operations, though implementation depends on atmospheric conditions.
The government is also putting on standby air assets including helicopters and aircraft to carry out aerial fire suppression at locations requiring intervention. All equipment including water bombing capabilities and aircraft are being monitored and coordinated in accordance with the president's orders, Prasetyo said.
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency stated that strengthening El Niño during the dry season period is increasing the risk of drought and forest fires across several regions of Indonesia. The government is urging the public to heighten vigilance and avoid activities that could trigger fires during dry weather conditions.
