Responding to several fire incidents in National Park areas, Daniel Johan, a member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction, expressed his deep concern. He also urged all parties to strengthen collaboration in responding to the fires and called on the government to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of mitigation preparedness to reduce the potential for future forest and land fires.
He said that these conservation areas are not only important ecological assets but also support the tourism-based economy of surrounding communities. Therefore, every hectare of land that burns represents a long-term loss that cannot be easily restored.
“We understand that the terrain in several areas of Tengger is difficult for ground teams to access, making water bombing an appropriate option. I urge firefighting operations to be carried out systematically and fully supported by technology. Real-time monitoring of fire hotspots using drones can accurately map the spread of the fire while minimizing the number of ground personnel who have to enter high-risk areas in such dangerous terrain. Data from drones can also serve as a basis for determining water-bombing priorities so that operations are more effective and accurately targeted,” Daniel, Monday, August 10, 2026.
He also called for stronger coordination among the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD), the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Office (TNBTS), the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and volunteers to ensure that firefighting efforts do not overlap while no areas are left unattended.
“Commission IV is also asking the central government to ensure sufficient funding and logistical support for personnel in the field, given that their safety must be the top priority when operating in such extreme terrain,” he said.
Daniel firmly stated that, going forward, the government must conduct a comprehensive evaluation of forest and land fire mitigation preparedness in conservation areas, including investment in drone- and satellite-based early warning systems.
“This is necessary so that similar incidents do not continue to recur every dry season. Particularly this year, when a prolonged El Niño has been forecast, we must be fully prepared for its impacts,” he concluded.
