The Government Has Established Two New Desks To Manage Forest Fires And Human Trafficking

The government has established two new desks: the Forest and Land Fire Coordination Desk and the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Coordination Desk, focusing on Human Trafficking (PMI-TPPO). Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, mentioned that several ministries and cross-sector agencies are involved in these desks. "The Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, along with related ministries, including the military, police, and the Attorney General's Office, along with several governors, have held a coordination meeting to form and launch these two desks," Budi Gunawan stated during a press conference at the Coordinating Ministry's office in Central Jakarta on Thursday (March 13, 2025). He noted that the creation of these desks reflects President Prabowo Subianto's concern for issues related to forest fires and the protection of migrant workers.

"Every year, forest and land fires occur in Indonesia, causing widespread effects. These fires not only lead to loss of life and environmental damage but also have significant geopolitical impacts, as the smoke crosses national borders," Budi explained. "Additionally, the President is very focused on protecting Indonesian citizens abroad who are victims of trafficking or people smuggling," he added. Budi clarified that the main stakeholders for the Forest and Land Fire Coordination Desk include the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Minister of Forestry, the Commander of the Armed Forces, the Chief of Police, and the Minister of Environment. For the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Desk, the leading sectors are the Minister of Migrant Worker Protection, the Chief of Police, the Commander of the Armed Forces, and the Minister of Environment.

There are also ministries and agencies collaborating across sectors in these two desks, including the Ministry of State Secretariat, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection (BP2MI). Additionally, the Attorney General's Office, the Ministry of Communication and Digital, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, and the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning (ATR/BPN) are involved. Other collaborating ministries include the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Manpower, and the Ministry of Agriculture. "From the Presidential Staff Office, the Presidential Communication Office, the National Intelligence Agency, PPATK, BNPB, as well as BMKG, Bakamla, and BNPT are also included," said Budi Gunawan. Specifically regarding forest fires, the central government is working with local governments in vulnerable areas, including the Governors of Lampung, Jambi, South Sumatra, Riau Islands, North Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan. It is important to note that the Prabowo administration has established several desks under the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Kemenko Polkam). These desks aim to expedite the implementation of priority programs for the Prabowo-Gibran government.

Tag: BNPB BNPT Human Trafficking