Jakarta, July 30 -- Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan has called on the regional governments, particularly those in South Sumatra, to improve their preparedness in handling forest and land fires.

"Through the Forest and Land Fire Management Coordination Desk, we are actively encouraging and strengthening regional governments in general, and the South Sumatra government in particular, to implement early response measures through online coordination meetings, which began in early 2025," Gunawan stated in a press release received here on Wednesday.

The minister noted that regional government preparedness is crucial, as forest and land fires in South Sumatra are occurring more frequently.

Furthermore, So...