Wiranto claims land and forest fires declines 90 percent

Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto claimed a sharp drop in the potential for land and forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan after the regions received rain in the past few days.

"In total, the land and forest fire (coverage) has declined 90 percent," Wiranto remarked at the opening of a limited meeting here on Monday.

The minister explained that a drop in the number of hotspots pointed to the successful outcomes of the rainmaking efforts.

He is upbeat about the regions receiving natural rainfall soon. 

Related news: Local rain decreases hotspots in S Kalimantan

"Hopefully, it could be followed by natural rain that will douse fires in the regions," he stated.

The minister explained that with merely 10 percent of the hotspots remaining, the impact of smog on public health can be reduced.

"We have instructed the governors to intensify efforts to put out the fires, so no hotspots will be left," he stated.

Attendees at the meeting comprised Military Commander Chief Air Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto, Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, Communication and Informatics Minister Rudiantara, and Health Minister Nila Moeloek.

The meeting was held to deliberate on a plethora of issues encompassing the inauguration of the president- and vice president-elect as well as the legislators, the Papua conflict, and the earthquake that hit Ambon.

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