Forest fire agency demand autonomy

Thu, 10 Mar 2005, 00:00 WIB | Source: JP

PEKANBARU, Riau: A senior government official proposed on
Wednesday that the Riau Forest Fire Management Agency be declared
an autonomous entity.

"We don't have our own budget, which makes us reliant upon
government budgetary funds for our operational expenses. If the
agency is set up as an autonomous body and has access to our own
funds, we will be able to work faster and more efficiently," said
Wan Abubakar, the chief of the agency.

Forest fires have been a problem in Riau province for many
years, especially during the dry season, leading to haze
problems. The agency has spearheaded efforts to put out the
fires. -- JP

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