Take legal action against fire starters

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