Durian. Communication and Informatics Ministry takes part in the national effort to handle widespread forest fire in Indonesia by currently preparing information desk to help build awareness and spread information about the problem.
Speaking on a virtual conference in July 17, Indonesian Communication and Informatics Minister Johnny G. Plate said with the establishment of the facility, the ministry is hopeful to be able to provide and manage the right information to the public, and hence, to raise awareness on the importance of prevention.
“Proper information and communication will result in comprehensive understanding on the importance of maintaining the sustainability of our forest ecosystem,” Plate said.
In general, the desk will focus on four main aspects: fire prevention, fire handling, post-fire handling and law enforcement. And Plate wanted the desk to be utilized by all government level — from central to regional — and can use the information to prevent fire in their respective regions.
The establishment of the desk was mandated by President Joko Widodo on a cabinet meeting held in June. The president wanted related governmental institutions from all level to actively carry out preventive measures.
Minister Plate added that besides prevention, President Widodo also put an emphasis on law enforcement, as 99 percent of forest fires in Indonesia were caused by human – both individuals and groups.
Forest fire becomes annual problem for Indonesia that usually impacted its neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia.
