Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia has not declared forest and land fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan a national disaster because the government believes it can still manage the crisis. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman delivered the statement on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Speaking after an interministerial meeting in Jakarta, Dudung said the government remained capable of handling the fires despite the challenges facing response teams.
“Regarding the declaration of a national disaster, for now, we are still capable. Our country is still capable,” Dudung said.
He acknowledged that national disaster status could open the door to international assistance. Malaysia had reportedly offered support, including three helicopters and 52 personnel to help fight the fires.
However, Dudung did not clarify whether Indonesia had accepted the offer. He stressed that the issue went beyond the availability of aircraft and personnel.
“It’s not just about the assistance. There are also many obstacles, including fuel distribution,” he said.
Dudung explained that firefighting operations require logistical support alongside equipment and personnel. Fuel distribution problems have added to the difficulties of containing the fires.
The minister, a former Indonesian Army chief of staff, said he had previously visited affected areas to observe and take part in firefighting efforts firsthand.
He also acknowledged that teams on the ground were facing growing difficulties. According to Dudung, the forest and land fires had continued for around two months.
Dudung emphasized that the government had made serious efforts to contain the blazes, although the response had proved more difficult than expected.
He said tackling the fires and resulting haze required more than simply deploying personnel and equipment. Logistical constraints remain a major challenge as authorities continue their efforts in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
