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