BOGOR, JAKTIMES.COM– President Prabowo Subianto led a limited cabinet meeting from his residence in Hambalang, Bogor, over the weekend. Although not physically present at the Palace, Prabowo remained vigilant in monitoring a crucial issue: forest and land fires (karhutla) that threaten during the dry season.
The meeting was held virtually with ministers of the Red and White Cabinet. The main focus? Reviewing the latest developments in efforts to prevent and control forest fires, which are expected to increase due to extreme heat.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said in a statement that the President expressed high appreciation to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, other technical ministries, and forest fire control teams.
“The President conveyed his gratitude and appreciation for the hard work of all parties involved in preventing and handling forest fires in Indonesia,” said Teddy on Monday (August 4, 2025).
Furthermore, the President also highlighted recent data showing a significant decline in the extent of forest fires over the past two years.
“Throughout 2024, there was a 33.3% reduction in the burned area compared to 2023, down to approximately 376,805 hectares. As of August 2025, the total burned area has decreased further to just 8,955 hectares,” he explained.
However, Prabowo remained cautious. He emphasized the importance of law enforcement against forest arsonists and called for continued vigilance from all parties.
“The President reminded everyone that the dry season is not yet over. According to BMKG data, it is expected to last until the end of August 2025. All teams, both at the central and regional levels, are urged to remain alert,” Teddy asserted.
The meeting was part of the government’s ongoing effort to sustain forest fire mitigation strategies, especially amid the growing challenges of climate change and increasingly unpredictable extreme weather (Wan).