President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has demanded relevant parties in his government act to anticipate forest fires as soon as possible, with the predicted peak of the dry season approaching.

During a limited Cabinet meeting at the State Palace on Friday, Jokowi explained that the number of hot spots had decreased  by 74 percent from the same period last year.

Nevertheless, there remain 217 hot spots that need serious attention, Jokowi added.

"I want measures in the prevention of forest fires to be more integrated and effective. It would be great if the measures could be enacted soon," Jokowi said, adding that currently the hot spots were  spread across Riau, North Sumatra and South Sumatra.

"The critical point is in August, September and October. I have asked the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, the Environment and Forestry Ministry, the National Police chief and the Indonesian Military commander to resolve this as early as possible before the hot spots spread more widely," he noted.

The President also stressed the importance of educating landowners and the community on forest fires, citing the example of provinces that had already involved the local community in joint forest-fire patrols.

"I think [such patrols] are very good. Also, in the last few weeks I have seen ground action and  water bombing," Jokowi said, adding that weather modification technology could also be used to forestall fires. (bbn)

Source:
courtesy of THE JAKARTA POST

by Ayomi Amindoni

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