Jakarta, Aug. 25 -- Presidential Chief of Staff General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman said President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a swift, coordinated response to forest and land fires and firm enforcement against violators.

"President Prabowo Subianto has stressed that forest and land fires must be tackled swiftly and in a coordinated manner, with firm action against parties proven to have violated the law," Dudung said here Tuesday.

The government is closely monitoring fires in several regions because of their potential impact on public health and safety, he said.

"Forest and land fires disrupt public health and safety. Haze particularly affects children and the elderly, as well as society more broadly," Dudung said.

Authorities are inv...