Indonesia haze: why Jakarta won’t declare wildfires a national disaster

Indonesia haze: why Jakarta won’t declare wildfires a national disaster

Indonesia resists declaring the wildfires a national disaster despite health crises, facing criticism over political and budget priorities

Critics suggest the reluctance may stem from concerns that a national declaration could force Jakarta to redirect funds from other political priorities, while exposing the administration to greater scrutiny over its disaster response.

“If a national disaster is declared, there will inevitably be those who exploit the situation. Disaster management is now nationally mandated, no longer the responsibility of regional governments,” Dudung Abdurachman, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, told reporters on Wednesday.