"Praise be to God, forest fires are still under control as of today. This is the result of our cooperation, collaboration, and success in avoiding ego among ministries, agencies, and regional governments," he stated in Jakarta on Monday.
He added that the Ministry of Forestry, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and several regional governments have agreed to base future land and forest fire prevention actions on studies and lessons from previous years.
"It should be noted that we all share the responsibility to address forest and land fires. Therefore, we must work hand in hand in facing this challenge," Antoni affirmed.
The minister also credited the success in controlling fires to strong law enforcement efforts, which have discouraged individuals from "playing with fire."
While the fires remain under control, he reminded all stakeholders and the public that Indonesia might still experience hotspots in forest areas in various provinces nationwide during the first 10 days of August 2025.
Citing data from the BNPB and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Antoni underlined that low rainfall is projected for the period, which could lead to drought and, ultimately, fires.
"It is crucial that we work hand in hand in the first 10 days of August to address the risk of forest fires," he emphasized.
Meanwhile, BNPB Head Suharyanto noted that the authorities have continued to work relentlessly to extinguish forest fires, including in the recent case in Riau Province.
"We have been taking comprehensive measures on land and in the air, including weather modification operations," he stated.
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Translator: Arnidhya N, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
