Indonesia deploys hundreds of soldiers to tackle Borneo fires
- On Saturday, Indonesia deployed 1,500 soldiers and six helicopters to Borneo to combat wildfires, after President Prabowo Subianto ordered the increased response during a regional visit.
- Dry conditions driven by a powerful El Nino weather pattern sparked fires that have scorched over 200,000 hectares this year, an area three times the size of Jakarta.
- Thick smog from the blazes has choked Borneo, prompting local governments to advise residents to reduce outdoor activities; six areas of Sarawak state in Malaysian Borneo recorded "unhealthy" air quality.
- Indonesian Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed three Indonesia National Armed Forces battalions are arriving from outside Kalimantan, with President Prabowo stating, "The important thing is to immediately stop the spread of fire spots."
- Prabowo told reporters in the Central Kalimantan capital of Palangkaraya that the government is monitoring the situation closely while mobilizing resources to contain the blaze and protect the island's rainforests.
17 Articles
17 Articles
(Hanoi=Yonhap News) Correspondent Park Jin-hyung = As dry weather persists due to the El Niño phenomenon, large wildfires continue on Indonesia's Borneo Island, affecting neighboring Malaysia...
Malay Mail
AlKhaleej TodayIndonesia deploys hundreds of troops to fight Borneo fires
PALANGKARAYA, Aug 23 — Indonesia is deploying an additional 1,500 soldiers to Borneo, an official said yesterday, to help tackle wildfires that have burned through swathes of the island and created thick smog choking some areas.Fires between January and July burned over 200,000 hectares of land — an area three times the size of the capital Jakarta, the government said this week, as dry conditions driven by a powerful El Nino weather pattern take…
Six helicopters were also scheduled to arrive on Saturday to strengthen water drop operations, the government announced, in order to protect the island, which is home to a pristine tropical forest and extensive plantations.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
