Indonesia's Prabowo approves foreign assistance to tackle forest fires causing haze

Indonesia has agreed to accept foreign assistance in combating forest fires that have caused widespread haze across the region. President Prabowo Subianto approved the help on October 15, according to Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is currently working out the technical arrangements for the assistance, reported Antara.

Arrmanatha told reporters that the offers of help from neighboring countries had been discussed and are now being processed. He did not specify which countries had extended assistance or the form it would take. Prabowo has been closely monitoring the fires, as their impact has spread across several Indonesian provinces and the wider Southeast Asian region.

The National Disaster Management Agency's head, Lieutenant-General Kristomei Sianturi, said the agency would first evaluate the available resources before determining the extent of overseas assistance. Singapore had previously expressed readiness to assist Indonesia, with its Sustainability and Environment Minister stating that the country would stand ready to help where possible.

The offers were still being discussed in the days before Prabowo's approval, with Malaysia offering aircraft, helicopters, and personnel. However, operational requirements, including personnel deployment and logistical support, had yet to be finalized. Indonesia has acknowledged the haze as a problem with effects beyond its borders, welcoming regional support.