In the ministry's statement here on Thursday, Antoni remarked that several facilities and infrastructure include additional helicopters, water bombing units, and troop mobilization for fire suppression in the Rokan Hulu and Rokan Hilir areas.
"Currently, we have two helicopters available for Weather Modification Operations. We hope to increase this to three. We currently have three water bombing units, and within the next day or two, this will increase to five," Antoni remarked.
He also highlighted that ground troops from the military and police will be mobilized, primarily to assist in fire suppression efforts in the Rokan Hulu and Rokan Hilir areas.
He also urged the public to avoid using fire for land clearing or other activities.
"Remember the past when Riau was surrounded by haze, people could not leave their homes, planes could not land, children could not go to school, and many were hospitalized due to acute respiratory infections," he pointed out.
Earlier, during a coordination meeting with Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) Head Dwikorita, Riau Police Chief Herry Heryawan, and National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Head Suharyanto, Antoni reported a decline in the number of hotspots in Riau.
"The number of hotspots in Riau has dropped, from 1,300 on July 16 to 116 on July 23," he remarked.
The minister stated that the decline in hotspots is the result of joint efforts from various parties, including the military, police, BNPB, and the fire control brigade Manggala Agni.
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Translator: Arnidhya, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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