Indonesian Minister Pratikno denies illness, resignation rumors amid Bromo fire efforts

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno, has firmly denied circulating rumors that he is ill and intends to resign from the Indonesian Cabinet. Speaking via phone on Wednesday, Pratikno asserted that he is neither sick nor planning to step down, emphasizing that he is currently engaged in official duties.

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No, first, I am not sick, I am not resigning, I am on duty.

Pratikno revealed that he had traveled to Bromo that morning to directly oversee efforts to combat the forest and land fires (karhutla) in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. He reported that a coordination meeting had been held to expedite the firefighting operations. According to the minister, there are currently two active fire hotspots remaining, necessitating continued support for water bombing efforts from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

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There are two fire points, so we continue to maintain support from BNPB for water bombing.

A significant challenge in combating the fires is the limited availability of clouds, which restricts the implementation of weather modification operations. Pratikno noted that based on forecasts, clouds suitable for such operations are not expected for another four days. The rumors of his illness and potential resignation were also refuted by the Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, who confirmed that Pratikno is in good health and that no information regarding his sickness has been received.

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We estimate, according to the forecast, that there will be clouds in 4 days for OMC.