The minister noted that the impending drought could cause forest and land fires that could harm the country.
"Not only does it result in loss of life and environmental losses, but forest and land fires also have a significant geopolitical impact, as the smoke can spread across countries," Budi remarked at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday.
He noted that the coordinating desk is tasked with mapping areas prone to forest and land fires.
Some identified hotspot areas include Gorontalo, East Nusa Tenggara, South Sumatra, Jambi, Lampung, Bangka Belitung, South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, West Sumatra, North Sumatra, West Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and South Papua.
Following the mapping process, the desk will predict the timing of potential land fires in these hotspot areas.
According to projections from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), which is part of the coordination desk, the dry season is expected to begin in April.
The coordinating desk must remain vigilant during the dry season, as forest fires are predicted to start in April and reach their peak in August.
To prevent forest and land fires, efforts include conducting early detection, collaborating with local governments for the handling and evacuation process, taking legal action, and providing information to the public about potential disasters.
"We strengthen the coordination of all institutions so our efforts will be more optimal and effective, with a target of zero forest fires,” Budi emphasized.
With this new desk, he expressed hope that forest fire cases in Indonesia in 2025 would continue to decline.
The coordinating desk oversees several government agencies, including the BMKG, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, as well as the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning.
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Translator: Walda Marison, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Primayanti
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