Who caused the fires?

Who caused the fires?

As far as can be assumed from media reports, it is as yet not
clear what the causes are of the present forest fires (in
Kalimantan and Sumatra) or what parties are responsible.

The Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) has rejected the
notion that the fires were caused by the local population.
According to this non-governmental organization, the
responsibility lies more with the forestry concession holders.

We do not want to say that people have started quarreling over
the question of who started it all while the house is already on
fire. The logical thing to do first of all is of course to put
out the fire. Nevertheless, the point remains: Why has the
question of who should take the responsibility arisen? Perhaps it
is because for a long time now the same question has been asked.
Each time problems involving our forests -- including timber
thefts for example, occur, questions and debates arise about who
is responsible: local individuals who do things on a small scale
or the big forest concessionaires.

Now those forest fires, which not only destroy specific
natural habitats but also generate smog, are focusing widespread
attention on the problem. This reality is what we should focus on
in order to enhance people's knowledge about our forests and
thereby awaken their attention, their interest and their concern.

-- Kompas, Jakarta