JAKARTA, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said Wednesday that the government would significantly strengthen the country's disaster response capabilities, including expanding its helicopter fleet and acquiring large aircraft for aerial firefighting.
"I am determined to strengthen our mitigation capabilities. The agencies that deal with disasters must be strengthened," Prabowo said during a government talk program, according to the state communications agency.
Prabowo said Indonesia needed hundreds of helicopters for firefighting and other disaster response operations, adding that he had already ordered several large aircraft for water-bombing missions.
The president also warned that corruption in the management of state resources could undermine disaster response capabilities. Citing Indonesia's location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," he said savings from government spending should be redirected toward more productive programs.
Prabowo said the government had saved more than 300 trillion rupiah (about 17 billion U.S. dollars) during his first year in office, including by cutting ministry spending on anniversary celebrations.
Indonesia has faced widespread forest and land fires this year, particularly in Kalimantan, alongside other natural disasters. ■
