Prabowo Prioritizes Forest Fire Handling in IKN, Says Minister - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, said the core area of the Nusantara Capital City, or IKN, remains a priority for the Indonesian government in handling the forest fires that have raged near the area for weeks. 

“Bapak President [Prabowo Subianto] pays special concern for East Kalimantan because of IKN,” Juli said in a written statement on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The IKN authority earlier announced that the air quality in the Central Government Core Area (KIPP) in the new capital remains in good condition based on the "Air Quality Index" measurements. Air quality is one of the key concerns to protect the core area of IKN from the impact of forest and land fires.

In terms of security, the IKN authority is working with the Ministry of Forestry, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the Indonesian National Police.

Meanwhile, on Monday, September 14, 2026, the East Kalimantan provincial government inspected the burned areas in Bukit Tengkorak, including the areas in Bukit Soeharto Grand Forest Park.

The Head of the IKN Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono, stated that the authority is pushing for increased ground patrols and readiness of firefighting equipment to strengthen efforts in preventing and handling forest and land fires around the IKN area.

“Additionally, equipment assistance is needed for some fire brigades,” Basuki said.

Read: How Close Are Wildfires to Nusantara's Government Core?