Indonesia steps up efforts to curb cross-border haze
Deputy for Meteorology at the BMKG Guswanto informed that the system utilises data from several sources, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to produce fire risk maps marked with green, orange, and red indicators, meaning relatively safe, high potential and active fires, respectively.
Deputy for Meteorology at the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, Guswanto, outlines a weather analysis scheme for handling forest and land fires in six priority provinces during a coordination meeting led by Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, at the Indonesia Multi-Hazard Early Warning System Building, BMKG Headquarters, Jakarta, on August 12. (Photo: ANTARA)
Jakarta (VNA)🧸 - The Indonesian Government, through the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), is optimising the use of the fire danger rating system (FDRS) for the early detection of forest and land fires to support firefighting efforts.
Deputy for Meteorology at the BMKG Guswanto informed that the system utilises data from several sources, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to produce fire risk maps marked with green, orange, and red indicators, meaning relatively safe, high potential and active fires, respectively.
The BMKG meteorology team is using the FDRS, combined with satellite images, to monitor smoke distribution, wind direction, and potential cross-border haze. They also combine hotspot data with field monitoring by the Manggala Agni ground firefighting unit of the Ministry of Forestry and the aerial fleet of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
Guswanto noted that the system had proven effective in identifying daily priority areas for tackling forest and land fires.
He stressed that prevention and early detection are far more effective than handling fires after they spread. With the FDRS, the risks of environmental and health damage from forest and land fires can be reduced during the dry season, which is expected to end in September 2025./.
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Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni credited the country's success in reducing forest and land fires to the effective use of meteorological technology and the synergy between air and land operations.
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Analysis by an economist found the US tariffs may reduce Thailand's exports by 8.16 billion USD, and when factoring in the trade diversion effect, they could drop by 457 billion THB (14.14 billion USD) this year.
Laos has reaffirmed its strong commitment to protecting forests and enhancing climate change adaptation, calling for deeper regional cooperation to safeguard ecosystems and promote sustainable development.
The import restriction will remain in effect until further notice, depending on developments in disease prevention and control efforts in affected countries, according to the Philippine Department of Agriculture.
Addressing the event, Indonesian Ambassador Dr. Bebeb A.K.N. Djundjunan, who is now holding the ACAT rotating chairmanship, highlighted ASEAN’s message on a more united, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable association. He reviewed key achievements of the group, such as community building and expanded cooperation with global partners.
The Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) has become a key mechanism in narrowing development gaps among member states, helping the CLMV fully implement the joint commitments and comprehensively participate in the bloc’s integration and community building processes.
Four other major Thai destinations - Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai - also ranked among the region’s top cities for repeat visits, reflecting Thailand’s diversity and enduring appeal for travellers of all types.
In its Pre-Budget Statement 2026, the ministry stated that growth will be anchored by resilient domestic demand, particularly through private investment, stable employment, and income-enhancing measures such as targeted cash transfers and wage increases.
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On August 11, major RoK outlets, including Yonhap News Agency, KBS, The Korea Herald, and The Korea Times, provided prominent coverage of the talks held the same day between General Secretary Lam and President Lee Jae Myung, during which both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in economy, security, technology, and culture.
The Singaporean government needs to enable people, workers and businesses to make full use of these tools, and enhance their competitive advantage. It “will walk this journey” with Singaporeans as it has done for the past six decades, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm both ASEAN member states' and partners’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and narrowing development gaps.
