Deputy minister urges wildfire response through recovery

Deputy Minister of Human Rights Mugiyanto called for forest and land fire response to continue after the flames are extinguished, with protection and recovery for affected communities. In a statement in Jakarta on Monday, he said karhutla directly affects the right to a healthy environment, health, education, food, water and a decent livelihood. He said vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, indigenous communities, and residents who depend on forests and land need special attention. He also urged law enforcement to trace the cause of the fires, including land control and use and the responsibility of any person or company found to be involved. According to Mugiyanto, recovery is not enough if it only restores burned land; it must also address the impact of smoke on health, schools and residents' incomes.