JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—The Indonesian government has transferred Rp1.235 trillion (US$74 million) in two funding rounds to seven provinces and 35 regencies and cities affected by forest and land fires (karhutla).

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Sugiono said the government completed the second transfer on Thursday, Oct. 22. The first round went to affected regional administrations on Sept. 7.

“Today, the central government transferred the second phase of assistance. The total assistance from the central government amounts to Rp1.235 trillion,” Sugiono said at a press conference in Jakarta.

The figure refers to the combined value of both funding rounds, rather than the second transfer alone. The recipients comprise South Sumatra, Jambi, Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan and Riau.

President Prabowo Subianto instructed officials to direct the funding toward public protection and firefighting operations. The money also covers logistical support for personnel working in affected areas.

For residents exposed to smoke, regional authorities can use the assistance to fund health services, distribute masks and provide portable oxygen. The program also supports oxygen shelters and treatment for people suffering from acute respiratory infections.

Meanwhile, operational spending includes protective equipment, water pumps and tanks, firefighting hoses, peat-injection equipment and bore wells. Local administrations can also use the funds to mobilize personnel and supply teams during field operations.

“The assistance is expected to accelerate the emergency response to forest and land fires and provide the greatest possible support to affected communities,” Sugiono said.

Authorities have combined ground operations with aerial firefighting and weather-modification operations.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported mobilizing 71,878 personnel across six priority provinces as of Oct. 21. The total included more than 11,000 personnel added that day, mainly in Central Kalimantan.

Communications and Digital Ministry reported 35 helicopters supported water-bombing missions. Separately, BNPB’s broader operational count listed 51 helicopters for water bombing and patrols. The two figures cover different operational categories.

Authorities have also used dry ice and sodium chloride during weather-modification operations to encourage rainfall when atmospheric conditions permit.

Enforcement forms another part of the response. As of Oct. 19, the Forestry Ministry had imposed administrative sanctions on 32 companies operating across seven provinces.

The ministry said it had suspended 19 permits while ordering ecosystem restoration, directed eight other companies to restore damaged areas and revoked five permits.

The ministry was also processing 125 legal subjects in connection with suspected forest-fire offenses. However, an investigation or administrative measure does not by itself establish criminal guilt. Further penalties depend on evidence and the applicable legal process.

The funding can strengthen Indonesia’s emergency response, but its impact will depend on transparent regional spending, effective field coordination and sustained enforcement against parties found responsible for fires.