Forest fires in Sumatra increase

JAKARTA: Forest fires in South Sumatra have again flared up following several days of cessation due to heavy rains, Minister of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution told Antara on Thursday.

"Only six areas on fire were found five days ago but the number has increased (Wednesday)," he said, adding his office had set up a team to especially deal with the fires.

Muslimin said the fires flared up following land clearing by local people who used burning as a method.

The government would set aside Rp 118 billion from the state budget to fight forest fires in the region, he said. (edt)