Jakarta, March 13 -- Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan formed a Coordinating Desk for Forest and Land Fires as Indonesia enters the dry season, which is expected to lead to drought conditions.

The minister noted that the impending drought could cause forest and land fires that could harm the country.

"Not only does it result in loss of life and environmental losses, but forest and land fires also have a significant geopolitical impact, as the smoke can spread across countries," Budi remarked at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday.

He noted that the coordinating desk is tasked with mapping areas prone to forest and land fires.

Some identified hotspot areas include Gorontalo, East Nusa Tenggara,...