Speaking at the National Teachers Day commemoration in Jakarta, Prabowo said climate change, global warming and environmental degradation pose major global challenges requiring stronger public understanding from an early age.
He said schools should reinforce lessons on forest protection, river preservation and efforts to curb illegal logging and land degradation, stressing that future generations must understand the consequences of environmental neglect.
Prabowo said students should learn how clean rivers help manage sudden water surges and how intact forests reduce disaster risks, noting that environmental stewardship must become a shared national effort.
Related news: RI Govt speeds aid to flood-hit Sumatra provinces
The president also said the government has been moving quickly to send assistance to flood and landslide victims in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra after extreme weather triggered widespread damage this week.
He said poor weather and severed roads continue to hinder relief operations, with helicopters and aircraft sometimes unable to land safely due to fog, heavy rain and unstable terrain.
Prabowo instructed the air force to deploy four transport aircraft — three Hercules and one A400M — to deliver emergency supplies to airports closest to the affected areas in the three provinces.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said Friday’s flights were not the first, noting that Prabowo ordered immediate field deployment of all relevant teams when the disasters struck on Nov. 25.
He said the latest shipments included tents, inflatable boats, generators, communication devices, signal boosters, medical teams, medicines, ready-to-eat meals, blankets and other essential supplies requested by regional leaders.
Wijaya added that weather-modification efforts had been carried out to help reduce rainfall intensity, though conditions remain challenging for rescue and logistics teams working in isolated areas.
Related news: Sumatra reels as deadly floods and landslides devastate communities
Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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