Indonesia yet to discuss Malaysia's offer on forest fires

Indonesia has decided against declaring its ongoing forest and land fires a national disaster, despite concerns over transboundary haze affecting neighboring countries, including Malaysia. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman stated that the nation is still capable of managing the crisis at a limited cabinet meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto.

The decision to not declare a national disaster was made while acknowledging offers of international assistance, though no discussions took place regarding such support. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously reached out to Prabowo about the haze, expressing Malaysia's readiness to help combat the fires. Prabowo directed firefighting efforts to focus on Tanjung Puting National Park and other affected areas in Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra, citing the need to protect the park due to its orangutan conservation and rehabilitation programs.

House of Representatives Commission IV member Daniel Johan urged the government to declare the fires a national disaster and accept international assistance, emphasizing the urgent need for regional cooperation. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni warned that authorities must remain vigilant for another month, as natural rainfall is not expected until mid-November or even December.

The government is already taking action, having suspended or revoked the business permits of five or six companies involved in fire-related violations, with a total of 26 companies affected, including five forestry concession holders whose permits were revoked in September.