Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has issued an apology to Singapore and Malaysia over the impact of forest fires in Indonesia, addressing the effects of wildfire haze on people in neighbouring countries.
During a session on November 15, Prabowo conveyed the apology at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting, as per a statement from Indonesia’s presidential palace.
He stated the Indonesian government would continue taking firm action against companies associated with forest fires while preparing to establish a new body to strengthen wildfire prevention efforts.
The president’s remarks come as Indonesia experiences its most intense wildfire season in 11 years, with enlarged areas of land burned across the islands of Sumatra, Borneo and Papua.
Meanwhile, Philippine Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro stated Indonesia had been candid regarding the measures it had taken to acknowledge the forest fires.
Speaking at a news briefing, Lazaro stated “The leaders also encouraged the ASEAN member states to prioritise the ratification of the ASEAN Coordinating Center on Transboundary Haze Pollution Control.”
The proposed coordination aims to strengthen regional cooperation in tackling haze pollution that crosses national borders.
Indonesia’s apology underscores the broader regional impact of its forest fires, as smoke and haze from the blazes can affect air quality and public health in neighbouring countries.
The government has pledged continued action against companies responsible for fires and further efforts to prevent similar incidents.
