Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian lawmaker Dini Rahmania said Malaysia’s offer to help fight forest and land fires could bolster ongoing efforts as fires continue to affect several parts of Indonesia.
The House of Representatives’ (DPR RI’s) Commission VIII member said she understood the Indonesian government had taken various measures to tackle the fires, but support from a friendly country should be used to accelerate efforts.
“What matters is that the procedures are clear and the assistance truly meets needs on the ground,” Dini said in Jakarta on Friday.
The government has deployed measures including ground firefighting, hotspot monitoring, cooling operations, equipment, and strengthened responses in priority areas, she said.
BNPB is also coordinating with local authorities and relevant agencies, she added.
However, Dini said success should not be measured solely by the number of hotspots extinguished, adding that protecting communities must remain the primary measure.
Authorities must ensure residents affected by smoke receive protection, she said. Vulnerable groups, children, older people, and communities near fire zones should receive particular attention.
“We must not focus only on the fires while neglecting their impact on people’s health and livelihoods,” she said.
She also called for all international assistance received by the government to be managed transparently, appropriately, and accountably, with its purpose, recipients, and benefits clearly identified.
“Accountability remains important. Assistance must genuinely strengthen firefighting efforts, rather than merely serve as a symbol of cooperation,” she said.
Malaysia’s authorities previously said they were awaiting Indonesia’s approval to help fight forest and land fires in several areas.
Malaysian Communications Minister and government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) and Foreign Ministry had briefed the cabinet on Wednesday (Sept. 9).
“NRES and Wisma Putra have informed the cabinet that a list of assets we can provide to help our neighboring country has been submitted,” Fahmi said during an online news conference in Putrajaya on Wednesday.
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Translator: Bagus AR, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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