inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Vice Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that forest and land fire management must be carried out properly and systematically. 

"We must use all strategies systematically so that we can optimize progress in managing these wildfires, extinguish them, and prevent water shortages from becoming a major issue," Hanif said after a coordination meeting with the South Kalimantan Provincial Government in Jakarta on Wednesday (9/23/2026).

He further stated that this is important considering that the El Niño phenomenon has resulted in hotter weather during the current period, leading to the potential for drought or water shortages.

"We don't know when the rains will fall yet, but projections from many experts, which we have studied together, indicate that rain will fall evenly after November," Hanif said.

He stated that the government has relied on weather modification operations (OMC) as a permanent response to forest and land fires.

"We've always hoped that OMC would be one or the only permanent response to forest and land fires," Hanif explained.

On the other hand, he stated that the forest and land fire response in South Kalimantan is expected to be completed within the next one to two weeks, with collaboration between the central government, regional/provincial governments, business associations, and the local community.

"With these patrols, we hope to be able to prevent the fires as thoroughly as possible," he said.

He also stated that the government, along with relevant stakeholders, are also calculating the budget, necessary equipment, water requirements, and human resources.

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