Jakarta, Aug. 4 -- Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan emphasized that firm action will be taken against individuals who deliberately burn forests to clear land.

"In accordance with President Prabowo Subianto's directive, the government has adopted a clear stance of zero tolerance for forest burning as a method of land clearing," Gunawan said in a press statement received on Monday.

The minister acknowledged that both communities and corporations have legitimate land needs for their businesses. However, he stressed that the government strongly opposes land burning, as it poses serious risks to public health.

"The president supports land clearing through modern, high-tech, and environmentally friendly m...