Don't just wait for rain!<\/p>\n
The haze in South Sumatra from September to October is nothing
\nunusual. I remember the haze was so dense in October 1961 that
\nseveral ferries were involved in collisions and a number of
\nflights had to be canceled.<\/p>\n
At the time, farmers were blamed for burning forest to clean
\nland soon after the beginning of the rainy season.<\/p>\n
I do not remember if in the past the haze also spread to
\nneighboring countries like Singapore and Malaysia.<\/p>\n
For sure, at the time there were no business conglomerates
\ninvesting in forest exploitation. Now businesspeople are being
\nblamed.<\/p>\n
If the allegation is true, they should be sued as business
\ntycoons have funds and are better educated than traditional
\nfarmers. The tycoons are expected to fully understand the need to
\nmaintain a sound and healthy environment. They are supposed to
\nknow the possible consequences of slash-and-burn practices.<\/p>\n
If it is true that conglomerate businesspeople are to be
\nblamed, Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja should take
\nimmediate action. He should investigate the case and prevent the
\nforest fires from reoccurring.<\/p>\n
It is shameful that our President has had to apologize for the
\nhaze to neighboring countries. It wouldn't have happened if those
\nresponsible for the haze were honest enough to admit their
\nfaults.<\/p>\n
I hope the government will do its best to curb the fires as
\nsoon as possible and will not just wait for the rain to come.<\/p>\n
H.W. PIENANDORO<\/p>\n
Bogor, West Java<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dont-just-wait-for-rain-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }