Prabowo haze order steps up firefighting, aid not discussed

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered stronger action on the fires behind the haze in Malaysia and Singapore. The Prabowo haze order came at a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday, 12 October.

It follows remarks on 10 October by Syahganda Nainggolan, head of the Government Communications Agency, known as Bakom. He said Indonesia sends oxygen when there is no smoke. The remarks drew attention in both neighbouring countries.

Offers of help from Malaysia and Singapore were not discussed at the meeting, a minister said. This report draws on the minister’s comments to reporters, Bernama and Indonesian media.

What came out of the palace meeting

Coordinating Political and Security Minister Dudung Abdurachman attended the meeting. He spoke to reporters afterwards. He said Prabowo told the head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, known as BNPB, to step up firefighting.

Dudung said the focus is on Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra. Fires have disrupted flights, forced school closures and raised health concerns in Indonesia.

Before the meeting, Dudung said Prabowo was deeply concerned about neighbouring countries. “The impact is indeed being felt by neighbouring countries,” he said. “That is why he is very concerned.”

Asked how fast the fires could be brought under control, Dudung gave no date. “The President’s target is as soon as possible,” he said. “He is very, very focused on this forest and land fire problem.”

Dudung also ruled out declaring a national disaster for now. “Not yet, not yet,” he said. “We are still capable of handling it.”

Where the oxygen remark and haze aid offer stand

Syahganda spoke in Jakarta on 10 October, Warta Ekonomi and Viva reported. In our translation, he asked neighbours to understand that the fires were “beyond human error”. He then spoke of sending oxygen when there is no smoke.

Reports of Dudung’s comments do not mention that remark. The meeting appears to have centred on firefighting rather than on the neighbours’ reaction.

Asked whether foreign offers of help came up, Dudung said: “Not yet. That was not discussed earlier.” Malaysia has offered one firefighting aircraft, three helicopters and 52 personnel, Bernama reported.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Sunday, 11 October, that Malaysia had received no response. He said Malaysia takes a positive view that Indonesia may not need the help.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported 23 areas in Malaysia with unhealthy air as of 10am on 12 October. Kota Tinggi in Johor was highest at 170. Readings of 101 to 200 are unhealthy.