Palembang, S Sumatra, July 29 -- Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has asked the South Sumatra provincial government to take anticipatory measures against forest and land fires ahead of the peak dry season.

Speaking at a preparedness routine for equipment, supplies, and personnel for wildfires in South Sumatra, here on Tuesday, he said that the province spans 8.7 million hectares, with peatlands covering 2.1 million hectares, or nearly 23 percent of its total area.

According to the minister, controlling peatland fires requires serious effort.

"Therefore, prevention is far more effective than handling once a fire has already occurred. Currently, the condition of the peatlands is relatively stable, and we need to maintain that...