Malaysia's acts, RI slow to respond

Malaysia's acts, RI slow to respond

From Media Indonesia

I am touched by Malaysia's efforts to help overcome the forest
fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Our neighbor has sent some 1,000
people and hired experts from France and Japan to alleviate the
situation. Three Hercules C-130 have also been sent to assist in
cloud-seeding operations, which can create artificial rain.

Indeed, their country has been blanketed in smoke, which has
caused disruptions to their lives and economy.

What steps have we taken? Where is our sense of sensitivity
and solidarity as a nation and as a member of the Southeast Asian
community? Where are our social organizations, NGOs and others?

I have read that Wanadri, a group of nature lovers, has
started to help out. But what can they do if they do not have the
support of related government agencies for an integrated
approach?

What if the smog starts to invade our cities? Do we only feel
the urgency of the problem when the haze hits our big cities in
Java, i.e. Surabaya, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bandung and Jakarta?

Let us join in prayer and ask God for heavy rain in the fire-
ridden areas. Are we only waiting for the fulfillment of our
wish?

DEANDRI KUSUMA AGUS

Jakarta