"The year 2015 gives a lesson to us all. It taught us how we have been turned upside down because of fires that have become large and spread throughout many locations in many regions," Jokowi said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo said here on Monday that Indonesias economy was corrected by 0.2 percent due to smog problems caused by forest and land fires in 2015.
At a national coordination meeting on preventing forest and land fires in 2016 at the state palace, the President said the facts showed that smog from forest and land fires had created an extraordinary impact on the economies in the regions.
"The year 2015 gives a lesson to us all. It taught us how we have been turned upside down because of fires that have become large and spread throughout many locations in many regions," he said, describing the fire situation then.
There were many fires in just one province, he added.
The situation must not happen again this year, he said, adding "Early warning, early detection have all been discussed. Prevention is the key. We must not let a fire spread," he said.
He noted that all elements in the regions must act, while having a back up from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to prevent and control forest and land fires.
"There must not be no words. All must move. As soon as a fire emerges, it must be put out. This is how we will make it right," he said.
President Joko Widodo said he has discussed with the military (TNI) commander and the police chief about the implementation of a reward and punishment system.
"The more areas burn, the greater the possibility for (regional TNI and police chiefs ) to be replaced. TNI and police chiefs in regions that have no fires will be promoted. We must really work," he noted.
All parties concerned with handling forest and land fires attended the meeting.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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