Juwono says RI slow to fight fires

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: State Minister of Environment Juwono Sudarsono said yesterday Indonesia reacted slowly and passively in handling its forest fires, and that it only responded when the fires grabbed international attention.

"We have to admit this weakness. Forest fires only get serious attention when they become international news," he said as quoted by Antara.

One of the weaknesses, he said, was a lack of coordination.

Only when it has been announced that it has become a national disaster is there a team formed to handle the problem, he said.

Juwono called on Indonesians to remain alert for a possible recurrence of widespread fires during this dry season which could start in June.

"We are often negligent of the dangers of forest fires during the rainy season. We also need to heighten the awareness of the people in this matter," he added. (mds)