VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Feb. 23 - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reminded local governments to remain vigilant in facing the threat of forest and land fires even as the transition to the dry season is projected in May 2021.

At the 2021 National Coordination Meeting for Forest and Land Fire Control at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday, the head of state sought a detailed and mature national planning for the prevention of forest and land fires.

Furthermore, Jokowi drew attention to several areas, such as in Riau and West Kalimantan, which were hit by forest and land fires since the end of January 2021.

"Despite facing floods and landslides in several areas, we must not become less vigilant in facing the threat of forest and land fires," the president remarked.

Quoting a report from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), La Nina phenomenon is forecast to occur until the first semester of 2021. A transition from rainy to the dry season will occur in May 2021.

However, Jokowi cautioned local governments, the National Police, and the Military to not let their guard down against the threat of forest and land fires.

The president urged that forest and land fires that hit Riau and West Kalimantan would not recur.

"In Riau, 29 incidents were reported. Hence, be careful the Governor of Riau since despite it being handled, do not allow it to recur. Moreover, 52 incidents occurred in West Kalimantan. Be careful since despite West Kalimantan being handled, we all have to be careful," he stated.

In February 2021, forest and land fires are likely to occur on the island of Sumatra since the hot season has already set in. Forest and land fires are estimated to occur during the period from May to July 2021 in Kalimantan and Sulawesi. Meanwhile, forest and land fires are estimated to peak in August and September 2021.

"We have to know when forest and land fires will peak, so that preparations can be made soon. The organization is checked whether it is working," he remarked.

"We expect detailed and mature prevention planning, strong synergy, and more effective execution on the field," President Jokowi affirmed. (Antaranews)