Malang, E Java (ANTARA) – Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has called on the public to join government efforts to prevent forest and land fires, including by avoiding open fires during activities in forest areas.
“Most importantly, no one should play with fire anymore, including cigarettes or, worse, land clearing, especially outside Java,” he said after inspecting firefighting operations on the Probolinggo side of Mount Bromo, East Java, on Sunday.
He warned that the current dry season, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, is increasing the risk of wildfires, making greater public awareness essential.
Public participation, Antoni emphasized, will strengthen government efforts to address the impacts of the El Niño-driven dry season. He added that the central government and relevant stakeholders remain committed to coordinated action to prevent disasters, particularly forest and land fires.
According to Antoni, President Prabowo Subianto issued clear directions and convened various stakeholders, including the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), on July 28 to address the impacts of El Niño and the dry season.
“This means the government is taking all possible measures to prepare for El Niño, especially as August marks the peak of the dry season,” he said.
Speaking on the same occasion, East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak said that firefighting efforts on Mount Bromo depend on close collaboration between local and central authorities.
Current operations are focused on the Pasuruan area, with helicopters conducting water-bombing runs.
Earlier, the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) stated that the 2026 El Niño had intensified to a strong level and could escalate to a very strong level, threatening to trigger longer and drier droughts across parts of Indonesia.
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Translator: Ananto Pradana, Raka Adji
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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