Juwono says RI slow to fight fires

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)