Indonesia implements new fire management agency and debunks internet shutdown hoax

Indonesia's government is implementing several strategic measures across environmental, political, and digital sectors. To combat forest and land fires (karhutla), President Prabowo Subianto has established the National Peatland and Mangrove Management Agency (BPGMN). The agency will focus on precision prevention in six peat-based provinces and will be staffed by professionals and scientists. Additionally, the government is providing budgets and heavy equipment to assist citizens in land clearing without burning.

In the political sphere, PSI Secretary General Raja Juli Antoni criticized legal challenges regarding Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s educational credentials as ‘uncivilized political maneuvers.’ He also stated that PSI is prepared for a potential increase in the parliamentary threshold to 5% for the 2029 elections. Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono is exploring infrastructure and renewable energy investment opportunities with Qatar.

Regarding digital security, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has debunked a hoax claiming a nationwide internet shutdown would occur between September 25 and 27, 2026. Officials confirmed that all digital services, including banking and cellular networks, remain operational and are investigating the creators of the fraudulent document.