Indonesia-Malaysia Agrees to Tackle Forest Fires As Prabowo Met Deputy PM Zahid

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at his residence in Bogor Regency, West Java, on Friday, September 18, 2026. During the meeting, President Prabowo and Deputy Prime Minister Zahid discussed several issues, including cooperation in tackling forest and land fires.

"He is an old friend, so he came to visit me, and we discussed various issues. First, the Malaysian side offered assistance to help us tackle forest fires in Kalimantan. I welcomed the offer with gratitude and pleasure," the president said, as quoted from the Indonesian Presidential Secretariat.

President Prabowo said the assistance would be dispatched soon. Malaysia will deploy one aircraft, three helicopters, and a team of 52 firefighters to assist Indonesia in tackling the fires.

"This has also been done several years ago, and I am currently drawing up comprehensive preventive measures so that these fires do not keep recurring every few years," he said.

Prabowo further noted that support from world countries demonstrates that forest fires are not a concern for Indonesia alone. In addition to Malaysia, Indonesia has also received assistance from Japan and several other countries.

"This is an environmental issue that affects many parties. Although the fires are in Indonesia, their impacts are felt by our neighbors. So, they want to help us, and we welcome that assistance," he said.

Besides forest fire management, Prabowo and Zahid also exchanged views on other opportunities for cooperation, including in the halal industry. The president also emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations between Indonesia and Malaysia.

"We must not allow issues that affect us to become blown out of proportion. Indonesia and Malaysia are brothers. We must work together and maintain our very good relations. I think that is all. Thank you," he conveyed.