Indonesia hopes forest fires under control within two weeks

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto voiced optimism that the nation's escalating forest and land fires would be contained within a fortnight. "I believe the situation is starting to be under control and this problem is being handled," he stated, expressing confidence that all fires would be extinguished within one to two weeks. Prabowo linked the severe dry season to the El Nino climate phenomenon, which has intensified drought conditions across Indonesia this year.

During a live-streamed event launching a 100 GW solar power program in Jembrana, Bali, the president acknowledged the integrated efforts of ministries, agencies, regional governments, police, and the military in tackling the crisis. "All institutions are working effectively," Prabowo remarked, highlighting the deployment of sufficient personnel and equipment, including dozens of helicopters and water-bombing aircraft, alongside the construction of tube wells to ensure adequate water supply.

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I believe the situation is starting to be under control and this problem is being handled. I hope all the fires that have occurred in several areas can be fully extinguished within one to two weeks.

The fires have had a significant transboundary impact, with haze reaching Malaysian Borneo. Six areas in Sarawak have registered unhealthy air quality levels. Notably, the extent of the burnt land has surpassed that experienced during previous El Nino events in 2019 and 2023, underscoring the severity of the current situation.

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All institutions are working effectively.