Jakarta – As El Nino, a phenomenon characterized by above-normal sea surface temperatures, is expected to occur in Indonesia starting in August 2023, the country faces imminent threats of forest fires and crop failures. Moeldoko, the Chief of Staff to the President, emphasized the importance of preparedness by all parties to effectively mitigate these disasters.
With the anticipated onset of El Nino in August 2023, concerns are mounting over the potential escalation of forest fires and the subsequent loss of valuable agricultural yields. In response to these pressing challenges, Dr. Moeldoko convened a Ministerial Coordination Meeting on Forest Fire Preparedness at Bina Graha Building in Jakarta on Monday (5/6).
“Failure to adequately prepare will inevitably lead to public discontent and a decrease in public satisfaction. This could be exploited for political campaigning as we are entering an election year. Therefore, the Executive Office of the President (KSP) is taking action to address this,” he said.
Attended by representatives from key government agencies, including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM), Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the Indonesian Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BRIN), the meeting aimed to galvanize a proactive response to the impending challenges.
Moeldoko expressed concerns that the prolonged La Nina phenomenon, combined with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has diminished vigilance towards the threats of forest fires and crop failures. He noted that many wells have been covered, equipment remains inoperative, and public awareness has declined.
He specifically mentioned six provinces: Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan that were potentially at risk. Failure to adequately prepare will inevitably lead to more risks and public discontent, he added.
During the ministerial meeting, Dr. Moeldoko outlined five key imperatives for effective forest fire and land fire management. These include leveraging data, information, and supporting technologies to establish a robust early warning system for forest fires, ensuring the readiness and collaboration of all stakeholders involved, securing adequate funding allocations, establishing comprehensive policies and strategies to address social risks, and guaranteeing the employment status of Manggala Agni personnel, who serve as the frontline guardians against forest fires.
“It is imperative that we promptly resolve the employment status of Manggala Agni personnel and address budgetary concerns. We cannot afford to be caught off guard while the threats loom large due to funding uncertainties,” emphasized Dr. Moeldoko.
Expressing appreciation for the commitment and efforts of all ministries and agencies involved in combating forest fires, Dr. Moeldoko concluded the meeting by assuring continued monitoring and evaluation by the Office to ensure effective on-the-ground coordination. “Moving forward, the KSP will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation on the ground,” he concluded.
As of June 1, 2023, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported a total of 112 forest and land fire incidents (Karhutla) across Indonesia. The declaration of the Emergency Alert status for forest fires in all provinces since May 29, 2023, further highlights the severity of the situation.
BNPB has announced the preparation of aerial operations, including helicopter patrols and water bombing, to combat forest fires. BNPB, in collaboration with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the Indonesian Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BRIN), has also prepared Weather Modification Technology (TMC) for forest fire management in 2023.
