Malang, East Java (ANTARA) - National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Chief Kristomei Sianturi said the government will take firm action against any individual or corporation found intentionally burning forests, without exception.
Speaking after a coordination meeting on forest and land fire management on Mount Arjuno at Among Tani City Hall in Batu, East Java, on Friday, Sianturi said forest burners would face legal prosecution under applicable laws.
"Whether committed by individuals or corporations, if there is an element of intent, they must be acted against in line with applicable provisions," he said.
Legal action against parties found burning forests will be pursued through strict law enforcement measures.
Sianturi noted that forest and land fires inflict severe economic losses while threatening the safety of the public and joint response teams.
He emphasized that government ministries, agencies, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police (Polri), regional governments, the private sector, and the public must collaborate to prevent and manage fires.
"This means disaster response is a shared problem, so anyone can take part in efforts to handle it," Sianturi said.
He urged the public and private companies to strengthen environmental awareness to protect natural habitats and keep forest areas fire-free.
Sianturi added that even if field operations run at full capacity, forest and land fires will recur if public awareness and environmental responsibility fail to improve across all sectors.
"Please stop the burning," he said.
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Translator: Ananto, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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