JAKARTA, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government began constructing canal blocks in Riau on Thursday to prevent forest and land fires.
Environment Minister Moh. Jumhur Hidayat said the construction of canal blocks is a collective effort to maintain water balance in peatlands to reduce the risk of fires.
"A joint effort to retain water and build water-retaining barriers is part of efforts to address forest and land fires," he said.
He emphasized that dry peatlands exposed to sunlight carry a high risk of burning, making water management a key factor in fire prevention.
In addition, the government is promoting collaboration with local communities through strengthened water management and tree planting around canal areas to support environmental sustainability. ■