VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo briefed the participants in the 2019 National Coordination Meeting on Forest and Land Fire Control, Tuesday morning at the State Palace, Jakarta. In his directive, the President conveyed a number of priorities that must be carried out in the context of controlling forest and land fires. First, the President emphasized the priority of preventing forest fires through patrols and detection to monitor the daily conditions of forests and land. The President also encouraged the arrangement of peat ecosystems that was carried out consistently. The President also stressed the importance of taking quick steps in the event of forest and land fires. In addition, the President also underlined the importance of the firmness of law enforcement officials to take action in overcoming cases of forest fires.

“First prioritize prevention through integrated early detection patrols. So that daily conditions on the ground are always monitored. Second, maybe part of BRG, the arrangement of peat ecosystems in the peat hydrological area is really, if the summer is like this, check it right. And must do it consistently. High surface water, soil, so that peat remains wet, maintained continuously, especially in the dry season. Then, thirdly, as soon as possible to extinguish the fire, if there really is a fire, don't let it expand. Water bombing steps, if it's already big, it's also not easy. But it must be done if the fire is already large. Finally, I ask for law enforcement steps. I see it has gone quite well. I monitor in the field, done without compromise,” said Jokowi.

Meanwhile Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto in his report said that the 2019 National Coordination Meeting on Forest and Land Fire Control was held to resolve a number of issues related to domestic forest and land fires.

Ensuring the use of regional forestry-prone areas that can be used by local governments. For example, revenue sharing funds, reforestation funds and village funds. The second is to overcome the difficulty of officers reaching hotspot areas that are sometimes far from road facilities, so cooperation with the Indonesian Military (TNI) is carried out by air lift. And the aircraft has been prepared by the TNI Commander. Third, look for appropriate technology to replace the way traditional farmers who have been farming by burning forests before the rainy season. Fourthly, there is an emphasis on the authorities to carry out law enforcement firmly, indiscriminately, against anyone, corporation or individual. Because they are the main cause of forest and land fires so far,” said Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto.

In the opening of the National Coordination Meeting on Forest and Land Fire Control in 2019, President Joko Widodo was accompanied by a number of working cabinet ministers, the Commander of the Indonesian Military / National Police, and heads of agencies related to the control and control of forest and land fires. The National Coordination Meeting on Forest and Land Fire Control in 2019 was attended by around 350 participants from all over Indonesia, consisting of Regional Heads and related institutions who came from a number of areas vulnerable to forest and land fires. (VOI/ANDY/AHM)