Jakarta, Aug. 31 -- Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni announced the temporary closure of hiking routes in nine national parks across Indonesia due to a high risk of forest and land fires.

In a statement following a coordination meeting on wildfire management in Palembang, South Sumatra, Monday, the minister stated that the decision aims to protect recreational hikers while maximizing firefighting operations in six priority provinces.

"There will be an official circular from the Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), but I can announce the temporary closure of nine national parks," Raja Juli said.

He highlighted that outbreaks of fires inside national parks have added significant strain to ongoing con...