The State Secretary's office has responded to questions about the Forestry Minister's absence from a meeting led by President Prabowo to address land and forest fires, according to detikNews. The meeting was convened to coordinate the government's response to the ongoing wildfire situation.
The State Secretary's remarks come as the government ramps up its handling of wildfires, particularly in Sumatra. A separate report from the National Police's official website indicates that wildfire handling in Sumatra is proceeding relatively well. Meanwhile, Kompas.id reports that President Prabowo has issued instructions for early wildfire intervention, urging officials not to wait for fire hotspots to appear before taking action.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has also released an update on disaster situations across the country as of August 24, noting that wildfire response efforts in several regions continue to be strengthened. In South Sumatra, police have reported handling 16 wildfire cases and confirmed that 20 suspects are being processed through the legal system, according to tribratanews.sumsel.polri.go.id.
The absence of the Forestry Minister from the presidential meeting has drawn attention given the ministry's central role in forest management and fire prevention. The State Secretary's explanation, as reported by detikNews, appears aimed at clarifying the circumstances surrounding the minister's non-attendance.
Observers will likely watch whether the Forestry Minister issues a public statement on the matter and how the government's early intervention directive translates into on-the-ground action in fire-prone regions.
