Jakarta, Aug. 25 -- Indonesia's National Agency for Disaster Countermeasures (BNPB) has emphasized public safety as the country battles forest and land fires, urging residents in affected regions to wear protective equipment, including masks, when conducting outdoor activities.

"BNPB continues to encourage all people in affected areas to wear masks, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities," Acting Head of the BNPB Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Berton SP Panjaitan said on Tuesday.

He made the statement during an online press conference monitored from Jakarta, noting that firefighting operations remain ongoing in several regions.

Panjaitan also called for public participation in wildfire prevention, ur...