REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) still needed additional funds from the government, although it had spent Rp 385 billion to handle land and forest fires.

At least, BNPB still needed an injection of funds amounting to Rp 700 billion to handle land and forest fires that were currently taking place in six provinces, which were spread in South Sumatra and Kalimantan.

According to Head of Data Information and Public Relations of BNPB, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, he had asked for an additional funds to Ministry of Finance. The request for additional funds, said Sutopo, had been approved by the Ministry of Finance.

"The Ministry of Finance also approved the additional funds of Rp 700 billion related to smog," said Sutopo, on Sunday (11/10).

The cost of disaster prevention and forest fires was borne by central government. Sutopo also mentioned, from Rp 385 billion that was used, Rp 21 billion of them was used for the activation of operational posts and personnel needs.

Additional funds were associated with an increase in the number of hotspots, especially in South Sumatra, such as in Ogan Komering Ilir and Musi Banyuasin.

"In Ogan Komering Ilir and Musi Banyuasin, the hotspots increased to 700 spots," said Sutopo.

Sutopo added, the source of the fire point was located at a depth of five meters in peatlands. In addition, many hotspots that must be extinguished also became an obstacle.

As a result of land and forest fires, said Sutopo, there were at least nine people died due to smog either directly or indirectly. In addition, there were also 40 million people who were affected by smog.

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