Sugiono's Comments on Javanese Message from Malaysian Parliament Regarding Karhutla

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Sugiono responded to a message in Javanese from the Malaysian Parliament addressed to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto regarding the situation of forest and land fires (karhutla).

"Of course, we understand this since as a nation we also feel the direct impact; our society experiences the direct effects of these fires, and I believe what our neighboring countries feel is similar. They are among the first to experience these consequences," said Sugiono at the Kemenko PMK Office, Jakarta, Thursday (22/10/2026).

Sugiono emphasized that Indonesia understands the sentiments of the affected neighboring countries, as it also suffers from the haze caused by the karhutla.

He also expressed gratitude for the concern and sincere intentions of neighboring countries regarding the forest and land fire situation in Indonesia.

"We also thank them for their good intentions to assist Indonesia first. Communication and coordination are being carried out through various channels, both diplomatic and direct relations between heads of state," added Sugiono.

He stressed that the Indonesian government continues to take massive steps to handle the karhutla.

"On the technical side, I believe that BNPB has also been taking coordinated measures to address this situation together," he said.

Malaysian Parliament Member Delivers Message in Javanese

Previously, Malaysian parliament member Kalam Salan relayed a message to President Prabowo Subianto in Javanese.

This was conveyed by Kalam during a session discussing the 2027 Budget Bill in the Malaysian House of Representatives on Wednesday (21/10/2026).

According to New Straits Times, on Wednesday (21/10/2026), the parliament member from the Perikatan Nasional (PN) constituency of Sabak Bernam stated that he intentionally used Javanese so that his message could be understood by Indonesian leaders.

"Kula arep ngomong soal asap kabut sing saben taun kok metu saka Indonesia nganti Malaysia (I want to talk about the haze that comes from Indonesia to Malaysia every year)," he stated.

"Pak, asap saka kobongan alas kuwi nggawe wong Malaysia susah arep ambegan. Akeh sing watuk, tenggorokane padha gatel, lan sesek ambegane (Sir, the smoke from the forest fire makes it difficult for Malaysians to breathe. Many are coughing, their throats are itchy, and their breathing is tight)," Kalam Salan explained.