Forest fires drop across Indonesia: minister

The number of forest fires across Indonesia has declined significantly this year as the country is taking measures to combat the danger.

The satellite of national oceanic and atmosphere administration (NOAA) had detected a 74-percent decrease in forest fires during the first eight months, Indonesian Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya said on Thursday.

"The joint patrol is effective. The officers in charge take actions immediately when a satellite detects hotspots," Minister Nurbaya said.

The government policy to take over the efforts to douse the blaze when forest and agriculture fires take place also contributed to the decline, she added.

"Besides, the weather phenomenon is more favorable this year compared with that of last year," she added.

Indonesia had dispatched soldiers, police and firefighters to fight fires during the first eight months, according to the national disaster management and mitigation agency.

Helicopters and aircraft for water bombings had also been deployed to the affected areas.

The traditional slash-and-burn practice for opening new palm oil plantation is mainly blamed for forest fires in Indonesia, which has the world's largest palm oil industry.

In 2015, the government launched the biggest ever battle against forest fires across the country that killed 17 people, with over 22,000 soldiers and dozens of aircraft under international assistance.

The fires had triggered thick haze to neighboring Malaysia and Singapore, causing health problems and huge financial losses. Endit