When President Jokowi Asked About Forest Fire Management Readiness

President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Photo: Setkab)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) was present at the commemoration of Bhayangkara 74th birthday (HUT). Jokowi became the inspector of ceremonies which were carried out virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

On this occasion, Jokowi questioned the security situation of six regions in Indonesia. Especially related to cases of land and forest fires (Karhutla) and handling of COVID-19.

The moment began when the National Police Chief General Idham Aziz invited Jokowi to greet the six police chiefs who were present at the celebration, including Sabang, Marauke, Pisang Island, Rotendau, Talaud, and Gunung Kidul.

On that occasion, Kapolres Sabang AKBP Muhammadun was the first person to be questioned by Jokowi. The question was about whether there were incidents of forest fires or not.

"Is there a fire in Sabang?", Said Jokowi asked.

Then, the Sabang Police Chief AKBP Muhammadun immediately answered. However, he explained more about the condition of the tourist spot which is still quiet even though it has been opened to the public.

"Ready for a while the tour has been opened, yes, but it's still a bit lonely, Mr. President," replied AKBP Muhammadun.

Hearing this answer, Jokowi immediately advised all ranks of Polda and Polres to anticipate fires. In fact, in handling forest fire cases, we are asked to be firm.

Then, Jokowi turned to the Head of the Pulang Pisau Police, AKBP Yuniar Ariefianto. On that occasion, anticipation of a fire was a major concern. This is because the area has frequent forest fires. Especially during the dry season.

"Has it entered the dry season too? Be careful, the island of banana also often burns. There ?," asked Jokowi.

"Ready Pak president, until now there is still zero fires, and we are preparing for a food estate plan," said AKBP Yuniar Ariefianto.

Furthermore, Jokowi moved to ask the Talaud Police Chief. On that occasion, Jokowi questioned the overall security conditions of the region.

However, the Talaud Police Chief answered that the security of the Talaud Islands was safe for 1X24 hours. So, Jokowi admonished him and returned to question the toughest cases in 2020.

"Don't just take 1 x 24 hours, which year is 2020 until June that is the toughest ?," asked Jokowi who was immediately answered that the most occurring incidents were cases of persecution.

Next, the Kapolres Rotendau became the target of further questions. Jokowi also asked him to explain the matter of regional security. So, it is explained if there are no cases that stand out or the security is conducive.

"At the same time, we report it for security in the area of the Rotendau police station, thank God, it is conducive that there are no prominent incidents and no cases that endanger the people of Rotendau," said the Chief of the Rotendau Police.

Questions about handling COVID-19

Meanwhile, on the next occasion, Jokowi questioned the handling of COVID-19 in the Gunung Kidul and Marauke areas. Hearing the question, the two police chiefs took turns explaining if the handling was going well.

In fact, the Gunung Kidul Police Chief explained that currently there are more and more cases of recovery. However, it is noted that there are still some patients who are undergoing intensive care.

"Currently there are still four patients being treated at Wonosari Hospital and Alhamdullilah, many have recovered. Then for collaboration with the Gunungkidul Regional Government, we also involve the TNI and Polri members in the field to jointly educate the public to prevent the spread of COVID-19," he explained. Kapolres Gunung Kidul.

Likewise, the Head of the Marauke Police also explained that regarding the handling of COVID-19, it was stated that dozens of positive patients who were previously treated had now been declared cured. In addition, it was also said that the percentage of crime in Marauke had decreased by 30 percent.

"As an evaluation of the last three months during the pandemic, the crime situation decreased by 30 percent. As for the handling of Covid-19 for Merauke district, starting from March 22 until now there have been 16 cases of Covid-19 and thank God, now everything is healed, meaning there are zero patients. COVID-19, "said the Marauke Police Chief.