Take legal action against fire starters

From Merdeka

It is reassuring to hear the concern expressed by the community, the press and especially President Soeharto about the forest fires. The haze has meanwhile been exported to our neighboring countries.

Forest concessionaires say that the fires are a disaster. Other related agencies, however, hint at intentional action -- meaning it is forest burning not forest fires.

I would like to see some seriousness on the part of the government to take firmer steps against the intentional violations of businesspeople.

It should not rest at the revocation of their licenses but lead to legal action too. I am sure that the government has made very strict regulations for businesspeople to obtain forest exploitation licenses.

I take my hat off to the press who have shown courage in reporting the events which mar the face of Indonesia in the world's eyes.

It is hoped that the reports are made as transparent as possible in order for the whole community to know who was truly involved in burning the forests.

But it would be so much better if proactive measures were taken.

DEANDRI KUSUMA AGUS

Jakarta