Govt calls for swift action on forest and land fires, firm enforcement

indonesianupdates.com_admin

3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Presidential Chief of Staff General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman said President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a swift, coordinated response to forest and land fires and firm enforcement against violators.

“President Prabowo Subianto has stressed that forest and land fires must be tackled swiftly and in a coordinated manner, with firm action against parties proven to have violated the law,” Dudung said here Tuesday.

The government is closely monitoring fires in several regions because of their potential impact on public health and safety, he said.

“Forest and land fires disrupt public health and safety. Haze particularly affects children and the elderly, as well as society more broadly,” Dudung said.

Authorities are investigating several corporations in West Kalimantan suspected of involvement in forest and land fires, Dudung said.

The Forestry Ministry has sanctioned six Forest Utilization Business Permit (PBPH) holders after fires affected 1,511.55 hectares across their concession areas in Kalimantan.

The Environment Ministry said about 335 companies holding concessions in Sumatra and Kalimantan have areas affected by hotspots and fires, covering nearly 85,000 hectares.

Dudung cautioned against judging anyone suspected of involvement before investigations and legal proceedings are completed.

“We must refrain from drawing conclusions until the investigation is complete. If intent or a violation is established, the law must be enforced firmly. No one is above the law,” he said.

Dudung said his office would oversee coordination among central and regional governments, the disaster agency BNPB, the military and National Police in tackling forest and land fires.