Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto expressed appreciation for the efforts of ministries and agencies in tackling forest and land fires, which have significantly decreased this year.This was conveyed in an Instagram post by the Cabinet Secretariat on Sunday, summarizing a virtual limited meeting chaired by President Prabowo earlier that day in Bogor, West Java.
"The President appreciated the efforts made by the Ministry of Environment, other relevant ministries, and the forest and land fire response team," the Cabinet Secretariat wrote.
According to the latest data, forest and land fire areas in Indonesia totaled 8,955 hectares as of August 1. In contrast, the area affected in 2024 declined by 33.3% from the previous year, reaching 376,805 hectares.
Despite the progress, the President urged the team to remain vigilant. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasts that the dry season will persist until late August, increasing fire risks in vulnerable regions.
Baca juga: Hanura Party reaffirms support for Prabowo administration
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported on Saturday (August 2) that hotspot activity in West Kalimantan had dropped to zero.
To prevent forest and land fires during the dry season in West Kalimantan, the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs has strengthened cross-sectoral coordination and expedited response measures.
Baca juga: VP Gibran to attend I-Day ceremony in Jakarta: official
President Prabowo had previously chaired another limited meeting in Bogor on Friday (August 1), instructing Cabinet members to anticipate fire risks common during the dry season.
