Inp.polri.go.id - Pekanbaru. Indonesia is strengthening diplomatic engagement with countries affected by cross-border haze as forest fire season looms, said Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan on Tuesday (29/4/2025).

“Singapore and Malaysia are usual complainants, and now the Philippines too. We continue diplomatic communication to avoid legal disputes,” he said after leading a forest fire task force assembly in Pekanbaru, Riau

Minister Budi Gunawan confirmed most haze originates from high-risk provinces like Riau, Aceh, Central Kalimantan, and Jambi. The government is launching pre-emptive measures ahead of the dry season, including cloud seeding, water bombing, and peatland water retention.

He also called for joint efforts from local governments, communities, and private firms to prevent escalation.

Foreign governments have offered help, but Minister Bud Gunawani expressed confidence in domestic capabilities.

“We believe we can handle this on our own, God willing, based on our successful 2023 response,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)