Prabowo Administration to Invest Heavily in Disaster Mitigation, Orders Large Water Bombing Aircraft

President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed his commitment to enhancing Indonesia's disaster mitigation capabilities, particularly in facing forest and land fires (karhutla), with a pledge of massive investment. The government aims to be better prepared for various natural disasters. "I am determined to increase our mitigation capabilities. The agencies (tasked with) facing disasters must be strengthened," Prabowo stated in the President Answers Program, as quoted from a press release. He emphasized that strengthening these agencies is crucial. One aspect of this strengthening involves increasing the helicopter fleet to enable more tactical handling of forest fires. Additionally, the government is preparing investments for equipment that supports the acceleration of mitigation and disaster response. "We need hundreds of helicopters for water bombing. We need them. I have already ordered several large aircraft for water bombing," he said. Prabowo also highlighted the importance of safeguarding national resources and institutions from corruption. He believes that weak resource management can diminish the government's ability to handle crisis situations, including natural disasters. "If we cannot protect our resources, we will experience weakness in facing situations that we need," he stated. Indonesia, located in the Ring of Fire, is prone to various natural disasters due to its active volcanic and seismic activity. However, Prabowo noted that this geographical condition also bestows rich natural resources, from fertile land to minerals like gold and rare earth metals. "So, this is what the Almighty may give as a trial, but He also gives advantages. Now, it depends on how we manage our country. Therefore, we must have a country, have efficient institutions," he explained. Efficiency, Prabowo added, has been a focus since the beginning of his administration. He mentioned personally reviewing the budgets of each ministry to ensure effective spending. He cited the elimination of birthday celebration budgets within ministries, stating that in the first year of his administration, the state saved over Rp 300 trillion, with these funds reallocated to productive programs.