Take on this disaster
Take on this disaster
The government's preoccupation with solutions to the present
monetary and economic crises is understandable given the
difficulties faced by the country. In fact, it is not only the
authorities who are engrossed in the problem, private Indonesian
citizens are compelled to daily assessment of the continually
changing condition of their economy and the ramifications of this
for them and their families' lives.
It is indeed unfortunate that financial difficulties are
almost entirely distracting our attention from the possibility of
yet another major disaster. Forest fires are again reported to be
raging in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Hot spots, detected using
satellite imagery and usually indicative of fire, are reported to
have increased alarmingly in number on the island of Kalimantan
in recent days.
According to the latest reports, fires have already begun to
encroach on at least one major national park in East Kalimantan.
Experts predict that this years forest and brush fires -- and
smog -- could be worse than last year, when smoke from forest
fires in Indonesia caused respiratory health problems in
Singapore and Malaysia, disrupted air and sea traffic and was
responsible for some fatal boating accidents.
It would be incorrect to assume that the authorities are
unaware of the danger that new forest fires present. Yet,
considering the pressing need to cure our economic ills and
repair damage inflicted by monetary turmoil on our economy, it
may be no exaggeration to say that our capability to effectively
deal with the fires is impaired. Yet, leaving the fires
to blaze unimpeded will bring even graver consequences down upon
our economy.
Timber is still one of the main pillars of our economy.
Last year's forest fires reportedly destroyed hundreds of
thousands of hectares of valuable forest. It is appalling to
think of further damage on top of this resulting from
insufficient efforts to contain the new wave of fires that have
broken out. This is not to mention the long-term social and
economic effects of damage done to our land and natural
resources, including precious and irreplaceable genetic material
stored in our forests.
Under the circumstances, the best way to proceed might be to
ask for whatever assistance other countries are able to give us.
Considering that our forests rank among the world's most valuable
natural assets, and that preservation of these forests benefits
both Indonesia and the world at large, such assistance would be
in the interest of all.
Our part of the bargain must be to undertake that every effort
be made to ensure that similar disasters will never again happen,
or are at least minimized. This in spite of our present economic
difficulties. Better enforcement of the existing laws would help,
but greater participation of concerned groups and organizations
must also be ensured. In conclusion it seems correct to say that
rather than make us forget the importance of properly looking
after our rainforests, present economic adversity should make us
vitally aware of the need to do so.