Prabowo Orders 1,000 TNI Officers Deployed to Prevent Forest Fires

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to deploy 1,000 officers to various regencies to educate the public on preventing forest and land fires (karhutla), a recurring annual problem. This initiative is part of the government's broader efforts to curb these fires, including a review of existing land-burning regulations and providing assistance to residents. Speaking at a discussion with peatland management experts at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Prabowo outlined the plan. The deployed officers will include various ranks, from majors to colonels, with the potential involvement of the National Police (Polri) also being considered. President Prabowo highlighted the need to revise eight existing regulations that permit land burning up to two hectares. He stated, "The fire that has burned a large area is not easily controlled by the community," emphasizing the difficulty of managing fires once they escalate. In addition to educational outreach, the government will offer assistance to residents requiring land for productive activities. The President assured that the government is prepared to help prepare land and provide supporting equipment, such as water pumps, upon request. "We want our people to be prosperous. It is impossible for us to want to harm our people," he asserted, stressing the importance of balancing fire prevention with community welfare. The President also addressed the distinct obligations of corporations in fire prevention and response within their operational areas, calling for strict compliance with regulations alongside public education efforts. Information Source: VOI English