“Earlier today, we conducted inspections in Pujud and Bangko Pusako sub-districts. It is very clear the land was burned intentionally for palm oil land clearing,” Antoni told reporters on Wednesday at the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Pekanbaru, following an aerial patrol.
Antoni noted that although the number of fire hotspots had declined, extreme weather conditions remain a concern. According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the region is experiencing severe drought, leaving the forests highly susceptible to fires.
The minister also stated that findings from the field inspection would be presented at a joint meeting with the Riau Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) and other relevant agencies. He also stressed that those responsible for setting forest fires will be prosecuted according to the law.
“Do not play with fire, or you will be arrested,” he warned.
The forest and land fires in Rokan Hilir have persisted for the past 10 days. Firefighting efforts both on the ground and by air—including the use of water bombing helicopters—are underway, with three additional aircraft from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) deployed to the area.
Weather modification technology (TMC) has also been applied, successfully producing rainfall in some of the affected regions.
Authorities report that over 100 hectares of land have burned in Rokan Hilir over the past week. Police have also arrested several individuals suspected of setting the fires.
On Tuesday, BMKG Deputy for Weather Modification Tri Handoko Seto said that eight tons of salt were dispersed over Riau’s skies to accelerate cloud formation and induce rain.
“Three tons were seeded yesterday, and five more today. A significant amount of rain has fallen, though not evenly distributed. Most of it has occurred in Riau’s eastern coastal areas such as Rokan Hilir, northern Pekanbaru, and nearby regions,” Seto stated.
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Translator: Bayu/Annisa, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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