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Indonesia Ramps Up Response To Worsening Forest Fires In Sumatra

Indonesia Ramps Up Response To Worsening Forest Fires In Sumatra

Barnama24-07-2025
JAKARTA, July 24 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Indonesian authorities have been accelerating efforts to tackle forest and land fires, particularly in Riau province and other regions across Sumatra Island in the country's western territories, reported Xinhua.
According to the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan, a spike in hotspots was detected in Riau between July 19 and 20, with smoke potentially drifting to neighbouring countries.
"The haze from the forest fires is starting to affect neighbouring countries, Malaysia and Singapore. They have expressed their concerns through diplomatic channels," he said during a virtual coordination meeting on wildfire management held in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Wednesday.
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