Don't just wait for rain!

Don't just wait for rain!

The haze in South Sumatra from September to October is nothing
unusual. I remember the haze was so dense in October 1961 that
several ferries were involved in collisions and a number of
flights had to be canceled.

At the time, farmers were blamed for burning forest to clean
land soon after the beginning of the rainy season.

I do not remember if in the past the haze also spread to
neighboring countries like Singapore and Malaysia.

For sure, at the time there were no business conglomerates
investing in forest exploitation. Now businesspeople are being
blamed.

If the allegation is true, they should be sued as business
tycoons have funds and are better educated than traditional
farmers. The tycoons are expected to fully understand the need to
maintain a sound and healthy environment. They are supposed to
know the possible consequences of slash-and-burn practices.

If it is true that conglomerate businesspeople are to be
blamed, Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja should take
immediate action. He should investigate the case and prevent the
forest fires from reoccurring.

It is shameful that our President has had to apologize for the
haze to neighboring countries. It wouldn't have happened if those
responsible for the haze were honest enough to admit their
faults.

I hope the government will do its best to curb the fires as
soon as possible and will not just wait for the rain to come.

H.W. PIENANDORO

Bogor, West Java