Indonesia's Palace Denies Haji Isam Appointment as Kalimantan Forest Fire Coordinator

The Indonesian Presidential Palace has refuted claims that President Prabowo Subianto appointed Haji Isam, a South Kalimantan businessman, as the coordinator for managing forest and land fires in Kalimantan. The rumor, which was reported by several media outlets and spread rapidly on social media, was subsequently denied by State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi. Isam currently serves as the Special Presidential Envoy for Energy, Food, and Infrastructure.

Prasetyo cautioned that false information circulating on social media could lead to issues, urging people not to accept every viral claim as true. Despite the denial, the Gerindra Party politician confirmed that the government has requested assistance from all parties in addressing forest and land fires. However, Isam is not the designated coordinator; the authority lies in minister-level officials appointed by the central government to oversee disaster management across various regions.

Five minister-level officials have been appointed by the government to coordinate disaster response efforts, including forest and land fires in Kalimantan and earthquakes in East Nusa Tenggara. The government has no plans to establish a dedicated task force for managing forest and land fires, as cross-sector coordination is deemed sufficient.

Previously, social media reported that President Prabowo Subianto had appointed Haji Isam to the position via a telephone call with the Minister of Defense on August 22, 2026, at 11:00 WITA.