Finding answers to tough questions

Finding answers to tough questions

From Suara Karya

The heat is impossible to ignore during the dry season and the
drought has forced people to endure shortages of water for
cooking, drinking and washing.

Water in paddy fields has dried up so no more rice can be
planted. Worse still is the burning of forest land that has been
earmarked for plantation, agriculture and transmigration
projects. It has been said that willful action was behind some of
these land clearing operations.

Smog from the forest fires has spread over much of Kalimantan
-- Pontianak, Palangkaraya, Banjarmasin and Balikpapan are among
the haze-affected cities -- and Sumatra -- the cities of Jambi,
Pekanbaru, Palembang and Padang have not fared much better.

Garuda and other airline companies have had to cancel many
flights due to limited visibility. Accidents and respiratory
disorders have been some of the ramifications of the thick smog.

Neighboring Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore have their own
share of smog-related problems. The governments have declared the
fires an emergency situation and advised their citizens to reduce
outdoor activities and wear masks when they leave the house.

President Soeharto, on behalf of the government, has
apologized to the governments and people of neighboring
countries.

Malaysia has sent some 1,500 volunteers to help quell the
fires in the southern part of Sumatra.

As an Indonesian I feel ashamed to look at the facts. We have
almost 200 million people but have shown ourselves to be
indifferent to the suffering of people affected by the smoke. We
have been inconsiderate toward our neighbors.

Where are the young people of the youth organizations? We have
never heard their comments or expressions of concern, which may
prompt others to help.

Let us hope the Indonesian youth will feel called upon to take
direct action for the sake of the nation and its people.

SUGIYANTO SP

Jakarta