REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) explained the issue of forest fires faced by Indonesian. This was conveyed in a plenary session of 27th ASEAN Summit in KLCC, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Saturday (21/11).
"As President of Indonesia, I give great attention to the handling of forest fires that worsened due to El Nino," said President Jokowi.
Jokowi revealed, many efforts had been made by Government of Indonesia. Indonesian Government had deployed more than 30 thousand personnel to cope with forest fires and modified weather with 325 tons of salt to make artificial rains.
Water bombing with 120 million liters of water was also carried out by using 23 helicopters. There were also assistances from several countries, such as Singapore and Malaysia.
President Jokowi said, he has compiled important steps, namely preparing One Map Policy, establishing a moratorium on peatland utilization permits, conducting a review of licensing, and restoration of peatland ecosystems.
"What has happened in Indonesia could also happen in other countries," he added.
Furthermore, the President stated ASEAN countries must be maintained unity and centrality to resolve various issues that possibly occurred.