Haze gives court mood transplant

JAKARTA (JP): The ubiquitous haze from forest fires made a Jambi district court room resemble a hospital operating room yesterday as judges, prosecutors and the public all wore masks.

The unusual scene occurred at the trial of a 34-year-old businessman who was charged with falsifying a contract.

The council of judges, led by Ali Syaripuddin, and public prosecutor Sihombing had to speak louder into the microphone to make themselves heard.

"The smog is getting worse. It is so bad we have to wear protective masks," Syaripuddin was quoted by Antara as saying.

In Jambi, visibility was 30 meters yesterday. Vehicles had to go slowly with their lights on. Many people could not go out without protective masks. (pan)