Prabowo steps up Indonesia's firefighting efforts; foreign offers of help not discussed
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered an intensification of firefighting efforts to combat widespread land and forest fires. Despite the severity of the haze, the government has not yet discussed accepting international aid from neighboring countries.
Why it matters
The fires are causing significant transboundary environmental and health issues, impacting multiple nations in Southeast Asia.
Over 60,000 personnel are supporting ground operations, with water bombing also being carried out, said Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
Firefighters work to contain a wildfire in Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra, Indonesia, on Sep 12, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Wisnu Agung Prasetyo)
JAKARTA: Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto has ordered firefighting efforts to be stepped up to battle the ongoing land and forest fires, stressing for the optimal deployment of resources at a meeting on Monday (Oct 12).
The country is focusing its firefighting efforts on Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra provinces, authorities added.
But offers from neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore to aid in suppressing the haze-causing fires were not discussed at the meeting, Coordinating Political and Security Minister Dudung Abdurachman reportedly said.
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