Forest fires

Forest fires

From Media Indonesia

Recent newspaper reports stated that in the context of the
East Kalimantan forest fires, the purchase of amphibious
airplanes is being considered. Foreign companies have made offers
of 10 such aircraft for US$75 million.

It is worrying that the government should be spending a lot of
money during the economic crisis. Why should the government bear
the burden on its own? Is it effective to spend such a big amount
of money?

Some sides have revealed that the forest fires in East
Kalimantan cannot be extinguished by man (with his equipment).
Only rain can do it. Even the IFFM (Integrated Forest Fires
Management) team leader has not recommended the use of water-bomb
aircraft.

Is it not better to include the related private sector/state-
owned companies (forest concessionaire companies, etc.) which
have a vested interest and which should be responsible for the
conservation and protection of forests, their estates and land?

I am strongly convinced that they are able to contribute their
share. There must be a regulation binding them. For example, one
that compels them to have properly equipped fire fighting units.
So equipped, they would be able to rapidly control fires and
prevent them from spreading.

It is preventive measures that are required. What is now
taking place should not be the problem of only the government or
the people, it should also be the responsibility of the related
private sector/state-owned companies.

RINA DEWATI

Jakarta